A historic building and landmark in Abilene is one step closer to being revitalized.

Thursday morning, the Abilene City Council approved acquiring the former Lincoln Middle School from the Abilene Independent School District. The city will assume ownership at no cost but will be responsible for maintaining it. It will apply for a grant to cleanup the building.

Thursday night, the council hosted a public meeting on the future of Lincoln.

City Manager Larry Gilley, Mayor Norm Archibald and some council members attended the meeting.

Talk centered around the surrounding neighborhood, and possible future uses as a community or cultural center or some type of housing.

City officials say more public hearings will be held to continue to gather input on the future of Lincoln.