SIDNEY, NE - Built in 1929, the Elks Lodge in Sidney is steeped in history. It used to hold city offices and a jail. It also was at one point the city auditorium, hosting golden gloves boxing matches. Elvis even performed here before he became the King of Rock n’ Roll. 

Now community members are putting together a plan to return the building to its old glory. Part of that plan includes applying for a $400,000 grant.

"This grant is really focused on how can we bring people to the area, how can we hold events there, how can we get people engaged in the community and really make this a focal community gathering space," Sidney Economic Development director Melissa Norgard

News Channel Nebraska was given a tour of the building Thursday morning. An old bar in the basement temporarily serves as a storage area while lodge members sorts through old items. Upstairs, a false ceiling hides the old balcony seats from where people would watch boxing matches or concerts.

Also upstairs are the old city offices and jail. One can still see carving made into the wall by old inmates. The lodge hopes to turn the old city offices into offices for themselves.

Watch the video above for more about the Elks Lodge and to see footage from the tour.

Norgard says the grant they plan on applying for is a community development block grant. The application is made to the state economic development office. 

According to Norgard, 25 percent of the grant amount must be matched by the city through dollar amount or through volunteer time. She says the city will use some of its LB 840 funds and Elks' members volunteer time to get to the amount needed to match. 

Members of the Elks Lodge are also going to do some of their own fundraising to raise additional needed money for the project, according to Norgard.