Construction is set to begin on the ground floor of Meridian’s 16-story Threefoot Building the first week of June — roughly five months after interior demolition began at the site.

According to city officials, it will take about 18 months to convert the historic building into the Courtyard by Marriott-Threefoot Building.

“We’re very excited,” said Meridian Mayor Percy Bland. “We’re glad it’s finally here and glad they’re finally getting the work done. It’s going to be a beautiful addition to our downtown.”

Laura Carmichael, the city’s community development director, said ground floor construction is still in the planning phase, but part of the work will include installation of a temporary elevator while the two existing elevators are repaired, she said.

“The starting point for construction will be on the first level,” she said.

The project developer, John Tampa of Ascent Hospitality, LLC, said in previous reports that the hotel will have about 130 rooms, a restaurant, a Starbucks coffee shop and 1,100-square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Valet parking will also be available for guests.

At the time of this report, Carmichael could not confirm whether these amenities will be included in the updated plans.

In late March, Carmichael said the project was in the early stages of asbestos abatement. Two floors — the basement and second floor — had been cleared, and the first floor was being sectioned off for abatement, Carmichael said.

It will take an additional three to four months to rid the entire building of asbestos, and the next step will be the “construction piece,” she said on March 26.

“You will see a lot more activity as far as construction goes,” Carmichael said. “We’re very excited about the progress and very excited about what that landmark is going to mean for downtown and for our whole community.”

Standing empty for years, the slow-moving project left many impatient with the city and Tampa, who purchased the building in January 2016 with plans to convert it into a hotel.

Tampa said in previous reports that he was awaiting the approval of permits to begin construction. Initially, Tampa estimated it would take 16 to 18 months to complete the project.

Some movement began in December 2017 when a construction debris chute was installed on the side of the building. In January, demolition work began after project developer Ascent Hospitality, LLC obtained a permit from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for asbestos abatement. Crews have also been clearing debris from most of the building’s floors, ranging from furniture to stationary products.