Construction has started at Hamilton's once-famous Royal Connaught Hotel, which has set empty on its King and John lot.

Two pictures from the work site show builders applying fresh drywall under some of the building's original Edwardian-styled windows.

The former hotel — closed since 2004 and sold to a group of buyers — is set to be converted into condominiums. Its developers, Ted Valeri and Rudy Spallacci, say the building should be ready by 2015.