Developers of downtown Dallas' historic Statler Hotel project are about to start construction on a new building next door.

Dallas' city plan commission has given approval for a mixed-use building that would be constructed on Harwood Street next door to the former Dallas Public Library building.

The new building would be constructed on a surface parking lot and will have "multifamily and office uses in conjunction with the parking garage."

A firm owned Centurion American Development Group - which is doing the $175 million renovation of the landmark Statler Hotel and the library building - will construct the garage and mixed-use building.

"CADG Jackson Parking A LLC, an affiliate of Centurion American Development Group, plans to break ground on a six level subterranean parking garage located at the northeast corner of Hardwood and Jackson streets in downtown Dallas," Centurion American Development representatives said in a statement. "Future plans also include construction of residential housing units above the garage.

"Construction on the garage should begin July 2017," the spokeswoman said. "The garage is being built to help meet the parking needs of the Statler Hotel & Residences as well as the Statler Library which will become the new home of The Dallas Morning News this fall."

The News has signed a lease with the Statler developer to relocate its operations from its historic building on the southwest side of downtown to the old library on Commerce Street later this year.

The 61-year-old Statler Hotel - which sat vacant for more than a decade - is being converted into a combination of apartments, hotel rooms and retail space.

The first apartment renters have already moved into the building.

The hotel - a Hilton Curio property - will open early next year.