SULPHUR, Okla. (KTEN) — What will happen to the historic value of downtown Sulphur in the wake of Saturday's devastating tornado?

That's one of the many questions that still need to be answered as residents begin work to rebuild their city.

Downtown Sulphur's commercial district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including 27 notable one- and two-story buildings dating from the first three decades of the 20th century.

Notable structures include the 1916 City Hall, and classical revival buildings at 406 West Muskogee and 329 West Muskogee.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said there are historical tax credits that could go toward rebuilding efforts, and state officials are talking to federal and state agencies — like the Oklahoma Historical Society — about preservation efforts.

"Incentives and grants — again, from our Oklahoma Main Street program and potentially our Oklahoma Historical Society and federal resources — when it comes to those historical preservation incentives and tax credits that we have."

What's left of downtown Sulphur brings back solemn memories for lifelong residents... and hope for what the rebuilding process could bring.

"I've been here since I was four," said tornado survivor Pam Chitwood. "Used to be a Ben Franklin down here when I shopped when I was a little girl. The Seeton Drug Store, where Raina's is now, that was the drug store where everybody went to get their meds and to get a Coke float at the bar ... of course, it's gone."

Mary Lou Heltzel, a volunteer administrator for the Arbuckle Historical Society, said there are a lot of variables involved in restoring the city's history.

"I think it will all depend on how it's put back," she said. "Will efforts be made to have a historical appearance?"