FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Construction started Thursday on West Columbia Street for The Landing.

The $32.2 million project, developed by The Model Group, includes the restoration of seven buildings and one new building. It will include 70 apartments and 56,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

Crews will begin with interior demolition and environmental abatement.

Columbia Street was the longtime central business district for Fort Wayne, with its proximity to the Wabash and Erie Canal and then the railroad.

Construction is expected to be finished by summer 2019.