Red Bank officials are looking into the possibility of renovating the old Red Bank Middle School gymnasium for use as a city hall, Mayor Monty Millard said.

He said Vance Travis, architect for the brand-new Red Bank Middle School that is 3-4 months ahead of schedule, is making that recommendation.

He said Mr. Travis also advised city officials not to tear down the old school's 1,200-seat auditorium.

Red Bank officials earlier proceeded with a contract to tear down the entire old school - that once was the high school.

Mayor Millard said Mr. Travis stated that the city can probably get enough money off the development of a portion of the large tract to pay for the renovation.

He said, "Mr. Travis is going to come back and show us some numbers," then the commission will need to make "a once-in-a-lifetime decision."

Red Bank officials for years have been discussing a replacement facility for the current small city hall on Dayton Boulevard.

Commissioner Ruth Jeno said one concern is the cost of dealing with asbestos in the old gym and auditorium.

Mayor Millard said there is not much time in which to make the decision. Commissioner John Roberts said the deadline is the end of October.

Commissioner Kenneth Welch said the class of 1971 has offered to move the "man and woman at the entrance to the school" to the new school. Mayor Millard said that will be a tedious "brick by brick" project.

Commissioner Jeno said there is a brickmason in the class who has volunteered to handle the project without charge.

The commission was told that over 600 volunteers came out to give Red Bank High School a facelift. All 43 classrooms were spiffed up and the front of the school was transformed. An open house was held Sunday to display the major changes.

Work is underway on a number of construction projects in the city, including repaving numerous side roads and installing a major new sewer line. The latter work is being funded by the county Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA).

Work is also underway on a third girls softball at the complex at White Oak.

"By November or December, it will be an entirely different city," Interim City Manager John Alexander said.