Rochester, MN  (KROC AM News) - A Rochester task force that has been looking at the future of the Chateau Theater has expressed support for a proposal that would cost more than $20-million.

The task force was organized last year after the city purchased the historic downtown building.

A consultant came up with five options for the group’s consideration. The task force came out in favor of what is called Option E. It has an estimated construction cost of more than $21-million.

Mayor Ardell Brede chairs the task force and talked about the option on KROC AM Wednesday.

He says it would expand the building into part of the alley on its east side.  A lower level would be added as would a state-of-the-art seating system that would give the building more user-friendly options. Brede says the former balcony would be resurrected while retaining a skyway connection.

Brede says he was told it would cost about the same amount of money to construct a new building that would be comparable to the renovated theater.

Brede says the City Council is expected to discuss the proposal at an upcoming meeting.

If the council approves the proposal, it will also have to decide how to pay for it. City Administrator Steve Kvenvold says it would likely qualify for DMC funding.

More From KROC-AM