The developer of the Centre City project said the hotel downtown is on its way.

“It’s definitely a go,” said Paul Dunn on Thursday. He is the project manager for J.S. Capitol Construction.

Dunn said J.S. Capitol is still putting together the final financing details the Marriott Springhill Suites, but he expects construction to begin in late fall or winter this year. It is expected to take about a year to complete.

“We’re putting together a few items for the bank and preparing a closing date,” Dunn said. “I can’t offer a set groundbreaking yet, but it is expected to be this year.”

NexTier Bank on July 29 approved about $3 million for a construction loan.

While the financing was approved, the developer said earlier this month that internal issues needed to be addressed before the project could continue.

The city redevelopment authority will contribute $2 million in previously approved state grants to the project. It will be a 40 percent owner of the building.

The hotel will join a new Rite Aid Pharmacy already under construction on Main Street, and a 225-lot parking garage as part of the Centre City project.

Dunn said the developer must finalize plans for the parking garage with the city parking authority before starting work on that.

Art Cordwell, executive director of the authority, said at the authority’s meeting Thursday the parking garage is vital for the hotel.

Cordwell said he has heard the hotel financing is near closing.

“I know they’re very close,” he said. “They just need a couple things in place and a few more forms to sign.”

J.S. Capitol expects to finance the garage then sell it back to the parking authority after one year.

That plan has yet to be approved by the parking authority. City council late last year authorized an ordinance allowing the city to spend up to $6.5 million for the parking garage with a bond through PNC Bank.

Dunn said the garage would be built simultaneously alongside the hotel.

Dunn said talks with the city regarding the garage should pick up again. He said the developer’s attention has been on finalizing a financial deal for the hotel.

The Rite Aid is expected to open in October.

Mayor Tom Donaldson said he is anxiously awaiting the hotel.

“We’ve talked way too much; it’s time to see some action,” Donaldson said.

The mayor said he can’t wait to see the hotel standing downtown.

“We need to see some dirt moved,” he said.

Chelynne Curci, the Main Street manager for Butler Downtown, said the hotel should have a big economic impact.

“The Rite Aid is exciting because it’s new and shiny, but the hotel is the thing we’re most excited for,” she said.

Curci said the hotel should boost employment in the city.

“It’s something that can attract new businesses downtown,” she said. “It can be a catalyst for economic development.”