Fencing has gone up, equipment is on site and materials are being delivered to the future home of the Lankford Corner events center being built by the City of Cedartown.

Work is finally underway on the new facility after nearly a decade of waiting for construction to begin after past delays have finally been overcome.

The longtime empty lot will need some initial site work to create proper drainage and to prepare the foundations and utilities before major work begins.

The future indoor-outdoor space will be able to accommodate upward of 300 attendees at a time, providing an open concept floor plan with roll up doors to for all-seasons use.

Lankford Corner will also catering kitchen, reception area and restrooms are part of the overall design. Food truck parking, public parking and intentional and inviting rest areas are features of the outdoor area.

The goal of the new Lankford Corner at The Silver Comet is to bring a focal point for development around the South Main Street corridor. Design aspects are being led by Rome-based CEVIAN Design Lab.

A grant for $750,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission has been awarded to the City of Cedartown to help with the costs.

Officials are expected to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for Lankford Corner in the coming days.

Construction was initially expected to be completed before year’s end, but will likely finish sometime in 2025.