Workers on Monday began the final cleanup at 50 Prospect Ave. in Rumford, the site of a Best Western Plus Hotel. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)

RUMFORD — Work began Monday to finish clearing the site for a four-story Best Western Plus Hotel at 50 Prospect Ave.

Tony Carter, president of Pennacook Falls Investments, said contractor Merle Lloyd and Sons of Anson is cleaning up the former Puiia Hardware property in preparation for the multimillion project, which has been stalled by permitting and financial issues since 2016.

“We’re back to work,” Carter said. “The work being done this month is the completion of the site demolition and cleanup. When the cleanup phase is complete, portions of the existing building foundations will still be intact, and some demolished material will remain on site to be used for fill during construction.”

He said the work, including grading the parking lot, will continue into next week.

“Over the winter, We’ll be putting contractors in place and getting materials ordered,” Carter said.

He is leading a team of 24 investors to build the 60-room hotel, which in 2016 was estimated to cost between $5 million and $6 million.

“We’re in pretty good shape with the financing,” he said.

If all goes well, Carter said constructors could begin by early next year. They are working with developer Tom Lund to build the hotel.

“He is building two hotels right now, before he’s ready to start here. Those are about 75 percent complete,” he said.