SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP): Efforts are underway to restore and reopen a fountain in South Bend that stood as a city landmark more than a century ago.

A group of about 20 residents is drawing up a proposal to present to the parks board in hopes of starting a fundraising drive for the Studebaker Electric Fountain.

The fountain, which was dedicated in July 1906, fell into disrepair and then disappeared from public view for nearly 70 years. Rusty and disassembled pieces of the fountain resurfaced in 2009 in a backyard near Osceola and are now sitting in a storage facility.

The South Bend Tribune reports that the restoration project could cost between $475,000 and $625,000.

A firm already has determined that the fountain is in good condition for its age and can be restored to its former glory.