SKOWHEGAN — Town officials learned Friday that the state has awarded a $250,000 community development block grant that will be utilized to complete consruction of the downtown Renaissance Center.

Jeffrey Hewett, director of economic and community development, said that the town will use the state grant to finish construction of the building, including the exterior and the first and second floors, public bathrooms and an elevator. The former Sterns Building straddles Water and Commercial streets.

Later, a walkway with wrought-iron gates will be built through the building.

Hewett said that the Renaissance Center will encourage tourism in Skowhegan, which is situated along the U.S. Route 201 corridor to Quebec.