(KAIR)--The Atchison Lincoln School Unity Center. That’s the development goal the Lincoln Alumni Board presented to the Atchison City Commission Monday. Now that the meeting has wrapped up, the board is now closer to making the goal a reality. 

“They’re seeking to do a three-phase renovation project that will use a combination of grants, tax credits and private monies,” said City Manager Trey Cocking. “We’re giving our preliminary support for them to move ahead. One of the first things they have to do is a low to moderate income survey. This [resolution] allows them to do further due diligence on the tax credits and everything moving forward.” They’ll put out a press release 

The complete plan calls for three phases to completely remodel the vacant school into a, “Empowering Unity Center that assures success within its walls, by building integrity, self-worth and skills,” according to the business plan for the project.

The building will also be tested by the EPA for asbestos and lead soon. 

Next steps include submitting a request to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for grand funds and utilizing historic tax credit programs as well as the Community Service Tax Credit Program.