WASHINGTON -- With the first step of the exterior renovations to the South Hall at Eastern Market complete, work is beginning on the interior, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced on Wednesday.

The roof and window, which were heavily damaged by fire on April 30, 2007, have been replaced, along with the skylight.

"We have completed the first steps for bringing the South Hall of Eastern Market back to life," Fenty said. "My administration committed to rebuild not just the Eastern Market building, but to make sure that this tragic fire didn't dampen the spirit and the community tradition of this wonderful neighborhood."

Next, protective artwork will be reinstalled on the windows and workers will excavate in preparation to install new utilities, air intake and storm-water management systems. The windows will be fully operable and historically appropriate and will help protect food.

Eastern Market will have modern heating and air conditioning, sprinklers, new restrooms, and access ramps, which will make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Chimneys and the manager's office overlooking the South Hall will be restored.

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A movable stage, gallery walls, a professional-level dance floor and theatrical lighting will be added to the North Hall.

Also, officials soon will seek a new manager for the market.

The 135-year-old market is scheduled to reopen next summer

Eastern Market is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Until the fire, it was the longest continuously running public market in the city.

Many of the vendors have been operating at a temporary facility nearby until the market reopens