Main Street Madison may soon become a historical downtown district, similar to those in other areas of the state such as Lewisberg, Sutton and Wheeling.

According to Coal Heritage Foundation President Joy Underwood, who spoke to the Madison City Council during their Monday evening meeting, the city would need to have two or three historical buildings in use to qualify for the distinction.

"The library is already a historical location," Underwood said. "But there has to be more than one."

The idea originated when the foundation began looking at the building next door to the Coal Museum.

The Coal Heritage Foundation acquired the building at the same time they purchased the building that serves as the coal museum, Underwood explained.

The building, which once served as a post office and a bank, would require restoration to return to its original appearance.

"It has a lot of interesting architectural details including a vaulted ceiling," he said. "I would like to see it converted to a community activity building and have a Saturday Night opera."

In addition, the foundation has requested that the city give them the building which once served as Madison City Hall, complete with a small jail.

"It was offered to us several years ago, but at the time we didn't have any idea of how to use it" Underwood said.

The city council would need to appoint an Historical committee to research and plan changes to transform downtown into a historical district.

The old town hall would be researched and remodeled to look exactly as it did when it was in use.

"It would be more of a tourist attraction," Underwood said. "People would go through it like they do the coal museum."

The Coal Heritage Foundation has applied to the National Register of Historic Places for historic status, making the city eligible for funds.

"We don't know how much we could get until they come in and take pictures," Underwood said. "There's no set amount for every location."

The city council would be responsible for appointing a Historical Society for the development of a historical downtown district, according to Underwood. They would also regulate the businesses downtown.

Although the types of businesses would not be limited, the appearance of storefronts would have to comply with the historical guidelines.