A project to convert the former Tamaqua Moose building into a police station and community center is edging closer to a start date.

Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt told borough council at Tuesday’s meeting that the architect had prepared a notice to proceed.

“He’ll be sending that out very shortly,” Steigerwalt said.

In addition, the financial consultant is working on a finance plan for the $4.4 million renovation project.

“We hope to have that financing in place by the end of October,” Steigerwalt said. “That will come up again at future meetings.”

In June, council awarded a contract for the work to Uhrig Construction of Reading.

The Tamaqua Area Community Partnership purchased the long-vacant 133 E. Broad St. building several years ago and will manage the project.

Once work is completed, the nonprofit partnership will turn the property over to the borough.

A $2 million state grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program was received.

When work is done at the 10,000-square-foot building, it will feature a modern police department, community center and district court office.

The department is housed at the Tamaqua municipal building, and its offices haven’t been updated in more than 50 years.

Police will occupy the first floor, the district magistrate will call the second floor home, and the third floor will have the community center.

A three-story addition is also planned.

To provide a parking area, the partnership acquired and leveled nearby blighted buildings.