HARTFORD, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont community organization is seeking a federal grant to convert a 136-year-old building in Hartford into a multipurpose community center.

The Cornerstone Community Center has written a $60,000 grant proposal to the Vermont Community Development Program to fund environmental impact and feasibility studies for the former Elks Lodge. The town would need to join the proposal for it to be considered.

The total cost of the proposed renovations, including outfitting a food bank and after-school program in the space, comes to $900,000, the Valley News reported.

On Tuesday, members of Hartford’s local governing body voted unanimously to hold a public hearing soon on whether to support the group’s grant proposal.

Kathy Janisse, co-pastor at Praise Chapel, the church affiliated with Cornerstone Community Center, told the body that religious organizations can qualify for federal funds to support secular services or activities.

The church bought the building in December for $592,000.

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