A massive effort is now underway to restore a beloved historic landmark at Monroe Street and Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. The long-vacant Professional Building, which was built in the early 1930’s, will reopen late this year as the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown.

Minneapolis-based CSM Corporation purchased the property in December 2013 and began renovation efforts in earnest at the beginning of this year. CSM expects to complete the restoration in the fall with plans to open the hotel to the public in December.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to restore this iconic building to its original glory,” said Steve Schlundt, chief operating officer – CSM lodging/residential. “We are committed to preserving its beauty and grandeur, and in creating a truly unique experience for our guests.”

Considered an important historic site in downtown Phoenix, the Professional Building opened in downtown Phoenix in 1932. It housed medical offices and Valley National Bank for many years, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Jan. 8, 1993, but fell into disrepair after sitting vacant for more than 20 years.

Now, CSM is working with Historic Consultants, a company specializing in revitalizing historic structures, to oversee the restoration and retain the building’s designation on the national register. CSM will transform the blighted building into a premium hotel offering an authentic historic aesthetic along with modern standards and amenities.

From the outside, the hotel will look nearly identical to its predecessor, with its striking limestone façade, grand entryway and Art Deco architecture. Inside, the hotel’s common areas will feature the same interior style that made it famous in its heyday, from its 24-foot ceilings and ornamental bronze elevators to intricate wrought ironwork, rich colors and fully restored interior columns. The most striking feature of the building’s interior, the former bank lobby, will be restored to its original splendor and will serve as the main reception and gathering place for hotel guests.

“From the moment they enter our doors, our guests will feel as though they have stepped back in time,” said Afsaneh Torres, director of sales and marketing, Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown. “With the resurrection of this building, we are helping to preserve an important piece of our history for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Located in the heart of downtown, just footsteps away from the Phoenix Convention Center, US Airways Arena, Orpheum Theater and a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown will feature 170 well-appointed guestrooms on 12 floors, a rooftop terrace, numerous large and small meeting and event spaces, a business center, a fitness center and valet parking. Plans also call for retail space on the ground floor along Central Avenue and Monroe Street.

“In addition to the beauty and old-fashioned glamour of the property, the hotel will offer all of the features and amenities of a luxury property, but at a midscale price,” added Torres. “Until now, guests’ options have been limited in downtown Phoenix, where there are several full-service properties but nothing quite like the Hilton Garden Inn.”

CSM, which owns and operates 40 hotels nationwide, has redeveloped other historic properties, as well. The company transformed a 19th-century train depot to create the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, and operates the Residence Inn Milwaukee, a renovation of the 1920’s Gimbels Building. CSM also owns and operates the Hilton Garden Inn in Old Town Scottsdale.