The Breezedale monuments that stand on the south side of 23rd and Massachusetts streets have seen better days.

The stone on the monument of the Breezedale Neighborhood – listed in the state’s register of historic places – continues to deteriorate and has been stained by pollution.

“When you put those things together, they make for a wonderful preservation project,” Lynne Zollner, historic resources administrator for the city, said at Tuesday night’s Lawrence City Commission meeting.

With the City Commission decision Tuesday night, there’s a possibility the monuments might see better days in the future.

The City Commission voted 4-0 – Commissioner Mike Rundle was out of town – to authorize city staff to seek a grant from the Kansas State Historical Society to fix and rehabilitate the monuments.

The overall cost of the project is approximately $55,000. The grant would cover 80 percent of the project’s cost, meaning the city would have to chip in $11,000 if it gets the grant.

Zollner said the competitive grants from the Historical Society weren’t easy to come by, and the city likely would find out in May whether it gets the grant.

“I think it’s a great project and terrific icons for that part of the city,” said Commissioner David Schauner. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

In the only other commission action on primary election night, commissioners approved a benefit district to help pay for a 4.3-acre park near Sixth Street and George Williams Way.

The park, which could include a recreation trail, playground and a pond, will be built in the middle of what’s now undeveloped land.

Residences will be built around the park.

The benefit district has the developer paying $811,000 for the improvements; the city won’t pay anything.