Niagara Falls Council is moving forward with plans for a Cultural Hub.
Last night, councillors approved the designs for the facility in the Main Street and Ferry area that would include a cafe, art studio, and space for a farmers market.
The need for a new hub was flagged in 2008, and then again in the 2015 Niagara Falls Culture Plan.
The total cost to build and furnish the building comes in at $12.3 million, including solar panels on the roof to help power the building.
Mayor Jim Diodati says city staff are considering funding options, including the federal Cultural Spaces Canada Fund and offering up naming rights.
"There's federal grants right now that we're going to apply for that look good on this project, and hopefully it will work our way as well. Between that and the private donations, it will work out well for us."
Staff will begin the tendering process, and bring the results back to council at a later date.