City commissioners expressed support for a proposal to use a historic fire station building to house a museum highlighting the area’s role in the Underground Railroad.

But commissioners stopped short of approving the plan, which would use Fire Station No. 4 – also known as Grover Barn – at 2819 Stonebarn Terrace. Commissioners said they recognized the history of the building, which was used by abolitionist John Brown as he helped shuttle slaves from the South to freedom in Canada.

Commissioners said they wanted more details from the Underground Railroad Association of Douglas County to assure that the museum would not need financial support from the city.

The fire station is set to become vacant this fall as the department moves into a new station along Wakarusa Drive.

Commissioners also reviewed proposals for use of the Carnegie Library building at Ninth and Vermont streets. Commissioners asked for more information from the Americana Music Academy and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Americana is seeking to use the space for a community folk music center and Parks and Recreation wants to use the building for classroom and meeting space.