Buzzards Bay Coalition President Mark Rasmussen presented Selectmen with a plan to update and expand the Onset Bathhouse on Tuesday night as part of the nonprofit organization’s Wickets Island project.

The bathhouse would be renamed the Onset Bay Discovery Center, and the Coalition would use it to store boats and provide a place where the community could learn and engage with the bay.

“We think the building is usable for our needs,” said Rasmussen.

The cost to renovate the building ranges from $1.9 to $2.1 million, depending on if the second floor is flood proofed. The building’s exterior would have a historic look, which prompted the Coalition to seek $215,000 to help with renovations from the Community Preservation Committee. That committee already agreed to endorse such an article at the Annual Town Meeting.

Before that, the Coalition is seeking a short-term lease to be able to use the town-owned building for activities this summer. At Town Meeting, Rasmussen the Coalition would also like to request a 99-year lease of the building from the town.

Before anything can be done with the bathhouse, the town does have to put out a request for proposals.

Selectmen seemed pleased with the proposal and the potential boon to the community.

“I think this is a fabulous opportunity for the town,” said Judy Whiteside. “You guys are willing to spend a couple of million bucks, and you’re helping us become a destination…”

Alan Slavin also praised the project, saying it would help low-income people in the area who wouldn't otherwise be able to get on the water interact with the bay.