The St. Joseph City Council has approved grant funding to restore the exterior of the Benton Club.

Council members Monday night, unanimously approved a resolution to provide a Save Our Heritage Grant in the amount of $31,580 to the Benton Club to rehabilitate the structure located at 402 N. 7th St. Councilman Ken Beck was absent.

The resolution came up for passage last month, however after residents voiced concerns regarding potential diversity issues surrounding the club, council members delayed the vote to look into the matter. Council members said they were assured there are no discrimination policies.

The grant will help repairs the masonry, including tuck-pointing and lintel restoration on south and east elevations of the building, as well as repair/restore the structures soffits, fascia and four windows.