The towers have faced challenges from vandalism, fires and other safety concerns but Thursday will mark a significant step forward for them.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Thursday is set to be a big day in the years-long saga of transforming Albuquerque’s San Mateo Towers into housing.

City leaders are scheduled to break ground on a 110-unit housing community there. The long-vacant, 10-story tower will be called Serenade at Park Central, consisting of 41 affordable housing units.

The city signed the official development agreement in December after years of vandalism, fires and other safety concerns. City leaders call this step a turning point for the building and for the neighborhood.

The groundbreaking is set for 10 a.m.