The Middletown, N.J., developer who plans to make major upgrades to the long-idled Tama Manufacturing building, 1798 Main St., has set an ambitious schedule, telling Northampton Borough Council that substantial progress should be made by spring.

Dan Donnelly, of Windward Pass Holding LLC, has until May 31, 2018, to complete the project, a stipulation from council. He must also provide quarterly updates on the progress of the proposed 22-unit apartment complex.

Donnelly’s first report Aug. 17 stated the builders contract has been signed, and the bank loan is in underwriting. The transaction is expected to be closed by mid-October.

Permits are targeted to be picked up Nov. 1, Donnelly said.

Exterior demolition of the three-story structure and subsequent construction are expected to begin around Thanksgiving.

With exterior work planned to be finished by Christmas, interior work will continue through the winter. Final lot and site work are set to be completed by mid to late spring, according to Donnelly.

Councilman Ed Pany, who has strongly supported the project, said the building has had many uses, including a department store. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst, who lived near the building, recalled when the site housed a tuxedo rental and purchase store.