NATCHEZ — The historic Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center will soon be getting its long-awaited makeover.

The city was awarded a $176,000 grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s Community Heritage Preservation Grant program. The grant amount was given based on a 20-percent match of $44,000 contributed to the proposed project.

The Natchez Festival of Music raised $22,000 in matching funds, of which $16,000 was contributed in just two days from former Natchez High School students. The Natchez Board of Aldermen pledged to match the funds.

The Martin center housed the school from 1927 until 1961, and classrooms were used there until 1963.

Rena Jean Schmieg, festival guild president and former Natchez High student, said she was thrilled the grant came through for the center.

“There is a tremendous need over there,” Schmieg said. “It needs 10 times that many grants, so we are very grateful for it.”

Schmieg said she hopes the community will be excited about the work that will be done at the center.

Natchez City Planner Bob Nix said the festival members and former students were instrumental in the success of getting the grant.

Nix said the $220,000 grant money will be used first to address a list of high-priority concerns at the center.

First on the list, Nix said, is bringing the exterior of the building up to engineering standards.

Windows and window panels will be repaired and replaced and lighting installed at the front of the building. Approximately $25,000 will be spent to repair the roof, which Nix said has not been repaired in 15 years and has developed several leaks.

After the outside of the building is fixed, Nix said the restroom areas inside will be renovated and expanded. Two heating and air conditioning units will be installed on the center’s first floor, Nix said, to provide better climate control at the center.

“The city’s objective is not only to make (the center) usable but also to protect a valuable historic resource by making it energy efficient,” Nix said.

The improved energy efficiency from the renovations, Nix said, will lower costs for the city and the center’s tenants. The music festival currently leases the building from the city.

Nix said planning department staff will discuss what repairs or renovations will be made next with the remaining grant funds

Nix has said the center is in need of approximately $500,000 in repairs.

Nix said a planning staff member will attend a MDAH mandatory workshop for all grantees on Jan. 27 to receive the grant contract.

Once the aldermen approve the contract, Nix said the city can begin the bidding process for the repairs and renovations to the building.

Nix said the city will interview and select an architect for the project between now and the approval of the grant contract, which he said will save time on planning the project.

Nix said there is currently no timeframe for the project, but he said he is confident the project will be finished before the grant-specified deadline in 2014.