After months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the St. James officially came under the ownership of Jim Lewis Monday, clearing the way for work to begin on the historic location in the coming weeks.

“We’re looking forward to transforming the whole downtown area,” said Selma City Council President Corey Bowie. “Any thriving city starts with its downtown.”

Bowie said the St. James Hotel is the “hub” of Selma’s downtown revitalization, which he hopes will spurn business investment throughout the Queen City’s downtown area.

According to Bowie, the proerty was sold for approximately $300,000.

Selma attorney Harry Gamble, who has represented the city throughout the negotiation process, stated that Lewis has arranged for the historic hotel to be branded a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton.

Lewis previously developed the Redmont Hotel in Birmingham, also a historic location branded by Hilton.

Gamble stated that inspections and assessments have been ongoing during the last few months and work will likely begin on the St. James in the upcoming weeks as Lewis gets contractors on-site.

According to Gamble, there are a few final touches that need to be addressed in order for Lewis to satisfy the requirements of his lenders, but the deal is done and the path is cleared for work to begin.

Bowie noted that it might be ambitious, but he hopes that the St. James Hotel will be able to again open its doors within a year and a half, if not sooner.

According to Rhaglan Hospitality’s website, with which Lewis is affiliated, the company has completed more than $150 million worth of work on various projects and boasts 700 rooms across its various hotels.

Along with the St. James Hotel, Rhaglan is currently working on the Commerce Hotel in Birmingham and has previously worked on hotels in Brandon and Lakeland, Florida.

Lewis could not be reached for comment.