AMHERST — Demolition of the former Amherst Carriage Shops is underway, with construction on the mixed-use One East Pleasant building that will replace it likely to begin this summer, according to Building Commissioner Robert Morra.

Morra said last week that he has approved an “in-part” demolition that allows Archipelago Investments, the developer of the five-story project with 84 apartments on the upper floors and retail on the ground level, to remove portions of the former hotel and two office buildings from the site.

The bulk of the work currently taking place, expected to last into June, is removing asbestos.

“It’s pretty involved asbestos abatement,” Morra said.

A schedule presented to the Planning Board last week shows that substantial removal of asbestos will be complete in June, with the buildings to be fully demolished between June and August, followed by work that will include pouring the foundation and installation of steel.

As the asbestos work is being done, Morra said he and his staff will examine Archipelago’s building plans. “We are wrapping up the plan review,” Morra said.

Archipelago has an agreement with David Fichter, the artist who created the Amherst History Mural facing the West Cemetery, to recreate his work on a new surface. This agreement was one of the final elements Morra needed in hand before granting permission for substantial demolition.

The 16-by-140-foot painting, done by Fichter with the help of community members in 2005, is a centerpiece of the West Cemetery where famed poet Emily Dickinson is buried.

The Planning Board Wednesday evening approved what is known as a construction logistics plan, which was required as part of the site plan and special permit approvals given by the board in 2014.

Board chairman Stephen Schreiber said this logistics plan provides information about placement of Jersey barriers around the site and where new sidewalks will be installed during the construction.

Meanwhile, the Public Shade Tree Committee recently issued a letter, read by member Nonny Burack at the March 14 Select Board meeting, asking that “all possible and available resources be employed” for the preservation of trees that serve as the border between the Carriage Shops and the West Cemetery.

“The West Cemetery is a precious landmark in the town and the trees, which act as a buffer against incursions of commerce, should be honored and protected,” Burack said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.