A large crane at the construction site between South Water, Erie and South DePeyster streets, signified the start to the steel framework of the soon-to-be Davey Tree Expert Company building.

Dan Smith, Kent economic development director, said the building — building A — is the first to take shape.

All of the foundations for building A are complete, and the crane began lifting the steel framings at 8 a.m.

“This is the main infrastructure of the building…this steel is what establishes the building,” said Jeff Kowza, project superintendent. “In my eyes, this is my favorite part of the project.”

Kowza said the steel framing aspect of the project should be finished in five weeks. After it is finished, the roof will be put on and then the skin of the building: the metal studs, dense glass and brick.

Smith said the company hopes to be under roof by the first week of December.

“That gives them the ability to build out the interior throughout the winter time if things happen to get less than pristine when we’re getting some snow and ice,” Smith said.

Building A, which will be a three-floor ,46,000 sq. ft. building, will house retail stores and restaurants, along with Davey Tree Expert Company.

Contact Caitlin Restelli at [email protected].