Gun Barrel City's elected officials want to build a "very large civic center" at the site of Big Chief Landing in coming years, according to Mayor Pro-Tem Rob Rea.

Rea told the Athens Daily Review the civic center would be used for a "myriad" of uses, including boat shows, gun shows, concerts and private gatherings.

The City Council approved spending up to $60,000 to demolish existing buildings on the site after the purchase is completed in early 2016. The council has not yet revealed the purchase price because the transaction is still in process.

The demolition of the motel, restaurant and boat launch office will begin immediately after the closing of the purchase, according to the city's Economic Development Corp. President Steven Schiff.

The boat ramp will remain in place for the public's use, and the rest of the land can be used for picnics and other such leisure activities after the demolition is completed, according to officials' plans.

The council has not yet approved the construction of the civic center and some residents living near the site are concerned about traffic, noise and other issues related to the operation of a civic center.