Singers in the historic district of downtown Hays has purchased the adjoining building and wants to develop an outdoor courtyard type area. However, before getting permission from the Kansas State Historical Society and the City ofHaysto make changes, the roof was taken off. The state denied the request, and the city commission Thursday night decided to table the request to overturn the state’s decision.

Commissioner Ron Mellick says the owners and contractor should have followed proper procedure before doing any work on the building.

The commission has asked the property to go back to the state to see if an agreement can be reached.