SIDNEY, NE — Sidney has taken the next step in restoring a historic landmark building in the heart of downtown.

At their city council meeting Tuesday night, Sidney officials approved the project committee's recommendation for an architectural and design firm.

North Platte-based Joseph R. Hewgley and Associates will complete the design and engineering work for the project.

Sidney Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard says they chose Joseph Hewgley because of their work on similar projects.

"They've had extensive experience utilizing community development block grants on projects they've done in the past as well as completing projects that were historically relevant or with historically landmark buildings," Norgard said. 

The architectural firm will plan work for upgrades to the HVAC system, making the building ADA compliant, removing of the false ceiling and historical renovation work. If everything remains on schedule, construction could begin in spring 2021.

This is not everything the Elks Lodge members hope to accomplish. 

The funds for this phase of the work is coming from the community development block grant the town received earlier this year for the project. The grant is worth $415,000, but will not cover everything in the Lodge member's grand vision for restoring the building. 

There are also restrictions on what the grant funds can and cannot be used for, such as work on the kitchen or bar.