Amherstburg councillors approved a plan in principle to embed a new town hall into a multifaceted development at the former General Amherst High School.
The Valente Development Corporation's proposal includes residential and commercial space, parkland, and other civic spaces.
"The town hall aside, just turning that piece of property into commercial and residential to bring so many more people downtown to spend their money, to enrich our economy, it's just off the charts the positive impact it will have," said Councillor Don McArthur.
The town hall would take around 35 thousand square feet of the development and aims to maintain the school's historic facade and many murals.
"I like the idea of putting the history into a new building. I really like the idea of saving the murals [and] the multipurpose areas. I've seen pictures with a gymnasium. Who knows where we can go?" said Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb.
The town is now seeking public input on the project. There's an open house on Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Amherstburg will also distribute a survey for public engagement.
A cost estimate for the project has not been released.