HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Construction will begin soon to transform a 109-year-old former brewery in Hastings into housing.

The Hastings Brewery Building will be converted into 35 apartments called Brewery Lofts.

The work is part of an $8 million project that also includes the construction of senior housing in an adjacent empty lot.

The Hastings Planning Commission has recommended approval of the proposals.

Community Redevelopment Authority executive director Randy Chick says the project should meet a demand for downtown housing.

The brick brewery is known for its large smoke stack, which will be retained.

Although it began operation as a brewery in 1908, that use ceased with the passage of prohibition in Adams County in May 1917. Since then, it has had a variety of uses.