Seven and a half months after a fire ravaged downtown Austin, a demolition team is on-site for cleanup.

Faribault-based BCM Construction got to work Monday, bringing in tools and cleaning out some of the interior spaces of the Mi Tierra properties on the 400 block of Main Street.

A construction worker said some of the heavy demolition should begin Tuesday.

BCM was awarded a $107,600 city bid for the work, while Asbestrol, Inc., wrapped up asbestos abatement last week at a cost of $9,999.

The costs are expected to be assessed to property owner Maria Leon as a result of a court settlement.

Leon had previously denied the city’s requests that she clean up the site, which the city deemed “hazardous.”

On June 23, the city and Leon reached a settlement that allows the city to ultimately assess costs to Leon but allows her to review and approve bids and costs as they come in.

Demolition work is on schedule to wrap-up by early October at the latest, city engineer Jon Erichson said, but he is hopeful the project is completed in September.

When completed, the Main Street lot will be leveled and covered with grass seed, Erichson said.

The cause of the Jan. 15 fire is still being investigated following a February announcement by police and fire officials that they suspected arson. No suspects have been named publicly.