NEDERLAND, Texas — Nederland city leaders are looking to transform an old building in downtown.
They hope to transform the old Bank of America building on Boston Avenue into both an event venue and emergency management command center.
The Nederland Economic Development Corporation bought the building when Bank of America moved out nine months ago.
The bottom floor would be used for events like weddings and graduations, meanwhile the top floor would be a place where first responders can work during severe weather.
"We're looking at the upstairs, but it would require some remodel work for the our uses. So we're looking into the cost and then we'll make a decision," Nederland City Manager Chris Duque said.
Duque says if they move forward, upgrades would be made to ensure the building can withstand a category 4 hurricane, which would shelter emergency responders during severe weather events.
"Emergency workers, first responders, the public works, people that, you know, they stay through these things," Duque said. "That is the sacrifices that they're making. You need to be able to have the facilities to feel confident and assure that they're still remaining safe while doing that."
The rest of the time, the bottom floor will be buzzing with life.
"If you were gonna have a ball, a party, a family reunion or a class reunion or something like that, this is where your main hub would be," Nederland Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Kay Decuir said.
Decuir says the 8000-square foot facility could host an event for 1,000 guests.
"What it will bring to the community is exciting, because we all have to leave to go to big events and things like that when actually we can have it right here downtown," she said.
The city will vote whether to move forward on the project in March.
If they do, they hope both centers will be up and running by 2024.