Construction has begun on the Glenwood Caverns tramway project.

Work will continue through the fall and winter, with a tentative opening date for the tramway in early spring.

Cement has been poured on the first phase of the project, which involves building a 9,400-square-foot building at the cave entrance at the top of Iron Mountain. Walls are going up, and the water system is in place.

Glenwood Tramway, LLC, the owner of the new tramway, hired STP Enterprises of Rifle to build the building.

In a Glenwood Caverns news release, STP owner Ray Lyons said his company is respecting the “pristine and unique environment” at the building site.

“We have pledged to take all precautions not to harm the environment or destroy any trees or vegetation that are not directly under the footprint of the building.”

Glenwood Tramway owners Steve Beckley and Chuck Peterson designed the building with input from architect Ken Hunt. It is being constructed of rock stucco, a commercial building product that imitates native limestone without having to make any scars to quarry natural limestone.

The roof line of the building is stepped back to fit into the natural contours of the hillside, and peaks at 35 feet at its tallest point.

Portions of the outside decks will have more than 80 linear feet of movable glass doors to allow the decks to be enclosed and heated in inclement weather.

Glenwood Tramway has formed a financial partnership with WestStar Bank in Glenwood, under the direction of John Pattillo, vice president.

The building will have a restaurant and bar, viewing platforms and gift shop.

Lyons said STP will follow the lead of Glenwood Tramway and hire many construction subcontractors locally to boost the area economy.

When the tramway is completed, visitors will be able to visit Glenwood Caverns by taking a seven-minute tram ride year-round. Currently, visitors are bused up Transfer Trail, and the caverns are closed in the winter.