PORTLAND — Renovation of the Cumberland County Civic Center will begin in about a month, a committee overseeing the project decided this morning.

The center’s building committee approved starting the first phase of the $33 million project on Aug. 27.

Additional Photos

An artist's rendering of the exterior of the Cumberland County Civic Center, which will undergo $33 million in renovations beginning in late August.

The first phase will focus on the northwest corner of the building, including the main entrance to the arena off Free Street.

It will also include construction of two of the luxury suites being added to the Civic Center as well as upgrades to some of the mechanical equipment.

The first phase will extend into the fall and is expected to cost about $3.7 million. Contractors said that cost could change if they are able to move some of the work that’s expected to be done next year into the first phase, but they may not be able to determine that until they have been at the job for several weeks.

The contractors plan to continue the work around events at the arena, including Portland Pirates hockey games.

The second phase is scheduled to start April 19, 2013, although that date could shift if the Pirates make the American Hockey League playoffs and the team’s schedule is extended.

The project is currently scheduled to be wrapped up on Oct. 4, 2013.

Voters last fall approved spending $33 million to renovate the arena, adding luxury suites and club seats, upgrading concessions and improving the heating, air conditioning, ventilation and other mechanical systems.

The construction cost is currently pegged at nearly $28.4 million, with the rest of the money going to professional and permitting fees and contingency funds.

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