NATCHEZ — The Natchez Senior Citizens’ Multipurpose Center may get a serious facelift in the near future.

Natchez Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to have a public hearing soon to take feedback on a comprehensive plan to renovate the building.

Community Development Director James Johnston presented details of an estimated $900,000 project, which would fund a long list of updates to the center.

Johnston said half the project’s funding would be provided through a 50-50 match from the Community Development Block Grant Program, sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority.

The center, located at 800 Washington St., was built in 1913 and is in dire need of repair, Johnston said.

Some improvements outlined in the three-part plan include window repairs, interior painting, plumbing repairs, replacing fire alarm systems and addressing several other infrastructure issues.

“It’s a very popular building, and if we’re able to get (the plan) matched, it’s not a bad deal,” Johnston said.

Sabrena Bartley, executive director of the center, said any funding would greatly help the center’s current condition.

“It’s one of the most utilized buildings in the city,” said Bartley, adding that the center currently serves about 800 area senior citizens age 60 and above a week.  “The building is just old, though. Over the years, it just hasn’t kept up with the wear and tear.”

Alderman Tony Fields, who represents Ward 4, in which the center is located, said he has received heavy community support in favor of a renovation plan for the center.

“I do want the board and community to know that James (Johnston) and I have gotten a lot of letters in support of the project,” Fields said. “I don’t want us to miss out on this (project). There are monies out there that we need.”

Ward 3 Alderwomen Sarah Carter Smith echoed Fields and said especially with the city’s tri-centennial celebration approaching in 2016, the center needs attention.

“We do want to take care of our buildings before we start (building) new ones, and I hope we can make this work somehow or another,” Smith said.

Johnston said the grant for the project would most likely become available mid-May this year.