A house on Main Street just behind Vicksburg City Auditorium could become city property in 30 days.

The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday approved a contract to buy the house at 912 Main St. for $20,000.

The vote was 2-0. South Ward Aldermen Sid Beauman did not attend the meeting because of illness.

City attorney Lee Thames said the sale is pending a title search on the property. He said Permy K. Thuha, the property owner, has some items he wants to move from the house. Thuha is the director of internal audit at Alcorn State University.

“We are beginning to have more concerts at the auditorium, and our parking and space are limited,” Mayor Paul Winfield said. “Buying this building will allow us to have better access to the rear of the building.”

He said preliminary plans involve demolishing the house for parking for tour buses, vans and equipment trucks for the acts.

The building was used as a home until 1986, when it was turned into Buttons & Bows day care center. Thuha, who took over the business in 2005, said he closed it in April 2011, and the building since has been vacant.

Thames said city officials considered buying the property when it came on the market last year, but balked at its $49,000 selling price.

“The price was reduced this year,” he said. “We made an offer and the property owner accepted it.”