HIGHLAND | Town councilmen recently got a first look at a proposed plan to renovate Lincoln Center.

Part of the building was built in the 1940s and has exceeded its life expectancy. It also was designed as a school instead of a community center, officials said.

"The place is used up, (but) it served us well," said council Vice President Konnie Kuiper, Highland First Coalition-5th.

There are three possible renovation phases, said Dan Atilano, of Burnidge Cassell Associates in Elgin. The town could choose all three projects, or just one or two.

The first project involves tearing down the oldest section of the building on the north end. The remainder of the building would be remodeled to include a new entry and a fitness center and other revenue-generating entities. One of two existing child day care centers would be eliminated. The project is estimated at $8.7 million.

The second project would add a 13,300-square-foot indoor pool at an estimated cost of $4.6 million.

"Pools make money," said Councilman Mark Herak, Highland First Coalition-2nd.

The third project would add 31,110 square feet to the existing field house at a cost of $5.5 million.

A renovated Lincoln Center "will be a more attractive revenue generator for the (park) department," Park Board member Tom Arnold said.

Park Board President Dennis Tobin said his group needs direction from the council on whether the plans are close to what it wants.

"I think you're definitely on the right track," said Dan Vassar, Highland First Coalition-3rd.

If all three projects are done, it would cost an estimated $18.9 million, Atilano said.

Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin said the Park Board does not have the bonding capacity for the first phase.

The Park Board has discussed creating a building corporation, but Griffin said such an entity could increase the cost of financing. He suggested a combination of the two methods.

Tobin said the Park Board will make final adjustments to the master plan based on comments from the council.

If the renovation is approved, construction could begin in about a year and be completed by May 2010, Atilano said.