Albuquerque’s Nob Hill district just got another breath of fresh air. Ground broke at the 78-year-old De Anza Motor Lodge Wednesday, with attendees celebrating the start of a revitalization over a decade in the making.

“This project will make a big impact; it’s the entrance to Nob Hill,” said HB Construction CEO Jason Harrington. “It’s setting the tone for Nob Hill.”

The project will transform the 50,000 sq ft building, which currently sits vacant at the corner of Central and Washington. New office spaces, a boutique hotel, and apartments are among the plans for the property.

“This is something Albuquerque is good at,” said mayor-elect Tim Keller about redeveloping old motels. Mayor Richard Berry was also there to break ground on the project.

The project joins other significant HB Construction work in Nob Hill, including the Carlisle Condominiums and HB’s new office headquarters. Hartman + Majewski Design Group will design the project.