GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Gulfport's plans to create a multi faceted neighborhood along the shoreline came into sharper focus on Monday. Five of Gulfport's seven council members joined Mayor Brent Warr and the Gulfport Development Commission on a tour of the old Veterans Administration property. What they saw, and what they discussed were ways to revitalize the city's waterfront.

By the end of the year, Gulfport should take over ownership of the VA property. That's why concepts are being formulated to determine the kinds of developments Gulfport leaders would like to see around what's being called a 92 acre treasure.

The oak trees scattered around the Gulfport VA property are scarred. But, as Gulfport councilwoman Libby Milner Roland noted, they still show signs of life.

"There's strength in those trees," she boasted.

Roland was at the VA to tour the grounds.

"We're going to start in the chapel," Gulfport Development Commission member George Schloegel told the group.

The chapel is one of the ten remaining VA buildings that somehow survived Mother Nature's fury. Soon, those weakened structures will rise from the ashes, and form the foundation of Gulfport's new waterfront.

"I get so excited about this," said Schloegel.

The VA property could become the responsibility of Schloegel and his fellow commissioners. If the city council gives its blessing, negotiating development deals with investors could fall under the umbrella of that commission.

"I see the most valuable piece of property in the state of Mississippi, and it's sitting right here on the gulf coast undeveloped," Schloegel said while walking through the VA's original administration building. "It's a treasure."

Sixteen Gulfport leaders toured the VA property to get a better idea what could be developed here once the city takes over the land. Mayor Brent Warr said that getting the conveyance from the VA was "a huge deal, and it's just been so complicated trying to sort through all the details and eligibility because it's never been done before."

The VA is in Councilwoman Roland's ward. She see's incredible opportunities all around the property.

"The sky's the limit. Absolutely. The sky's the limit," she said. "There's something here for everybody."

The VA is supposed to convey the waterfront portion of its property to the city in December. Gulfport will actually take over ownership of the northern side of the VA later this month.

The one building on the northern side of the VA is the old laundry facility. City leaders think that vacant structure could become a convention center, and a place for Gulfport's performing arts.

During Monday's tour, the group sat inside the laundry building and discussed ways Gulfport could get it up and running as quickly as possible. The biggest stumbling block they encountered was figuring out how to pay for building renovations. But commissioner Carole Lynn Meadows is confident that issue will be resolved, and Gulfport will reap the benefits from its VA investment.

"It could be an identity for Gulfport, a hub of Gulfport, adding to its recreational dimension, adding to its cultural center dimension," Meadows said. "I just think it's an opportunity for us to show that Gulfport is moving into the next century."

As soon as Tuesday, the name and the bylaws of the new development commission may change. Attorneys say renaming the group the redevelopment commission will give it the latitude it needs to work on projects like the VA renovations.