East Ridge plans to construct an open-air pavilion that will include restrooms and a concession area near City Hall and the old McBrien School.
It will be part of a Town Center for East Ridge at the Tombras Avenue property.
The city is also applying for a $500,000 grant to help convert Pioneer Park into a refurbished park with a splash pad.
The firm of Hefferlin and Kronenberg will draw up plans for the pavilion at a cost of $104,455. The construction cost is projected to be $1.5 million.
There were nine firms competing for the architectural contract.
Bids are set to go out in September with the project ready by next April.
Officials earlier set aside $2 million of Border Region tax funds to cover cost of the pavilion.