NATCHEZ — The developer interested in renovating Margaret Martin School said Thursday he’s not ready to reveal exact plans for the historic structure.

Jeremy Mears with the Texas-based Brownstone Group confirmed he toured the building Wednesday with a member of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and others from Natchez, but said the visit was strictly preliminary.

“To be honest, I was just looking at it,” Mears said. “As far as what we’re going to do with it, I just don’t know yet. I might not do anything.”

A source familiar with the proposed project said the plan was to turn classroom spaces in the building into apartments, but would leave the auditorium untouched.

Mears said he was not ready to release any specific details of the project.

“I’d hate to say something that hasn’t been thought out completely,” Mears said. “Really, that was the first time I’d been through the whole building.”

The Brownstone Group is known for restoring historic structures, including several in Mississippi. The group renovated two rental properties in Vicksburg — the Aeolian and the former Carr Central school building. The Aeolian opened for senior residents and Carr for low-income families.

Mears said he was amazed with Margaret Martin and that the style of the building fit right in with other projects the group has completed.

“It’s a beautiful building, and it’s just one of those kind of timeless buildings that you want to keep everything the same in and make sure you retain that original character,” Mears said. “I just think it’s an awesome building, and we love protecting old buildings like that.”

Mears said his next plan of action included doing some studies on the building and making a more concrete plan for possible work in the future.

MDAH’s participation in Wednesday’s meeting was to answer any questions and walk Mears through the process of applying for historic preservation tax credits, MDAH architectural historian Todd Sanders said.

The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program, which is administered by the National Park Service, encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings.

But before any developer can be eligible for historic tax credits, the property must be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Historic Natchez Foundation nominated the facility for that landmark status last month.

Built in 1927 as Natchez High School, the Gothic Revival style building was designed by architect P.J. Krouse and is already designated as a Mississippi Landmark.

Sanders said developers work with MDAH first before sending off applications to the NPS for final approval of tax credits.

All projects eligible for tax credits must meet the Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which apply to the exterior and interior of historic buildings, as well as related landscape features, among other things.

Sanders said he’s been pleased with the work the Brownstone Group has already done in Mississippi.

“We hope they continue (with Margaret Martin),” Sanders said. “They’ve been good to work with.”

The building currently houses the Natchez Festival of Music, Natchez Ballet Academy, the Natchez Gymnastic Association and was featured in a pivotal scene in Tate Taylor’s “Get On Up” after movie crews transformed the auditorium to resemble the famous Apollo Theatre.