BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Downtown Beatrice is in the running to become a national historical district.

A meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at the Beatrice Public Library to discuss the nomination and what it could mean for the downtown.

Library Director Laureen Riedesel says she has been trying to get the downtown recognized as a historic district since the 1980s. The downtown may have a better chance now because some buildings have aged. The oldest buildings in Beatrice date to the 1870s.

Becoming a national historical district would provide the downtown with access to economic development tools to help businesses and properties make improvements.

A second meeting will provide more details about the proposed district’s boundaries.