Renovation efforts are underway at the Raleigh Convention Center after last week's fire caused water damage.
Officials said they expect everything to be dried out by the end of this week.
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However, a number of steps need to take place in order to get the convention center back open again. These include installing new carpet, drywall, ceiling tiles and furniture.
Equipment will also need to be removed from the roof by crane, and new cooling towers and refrigeration units will be installed. Officials said they are also determining if solar panels or parts of them will need to be replaced, and how much needs to come off the roof that was damaged.
The Rink at Red Hat, just across the street from the scene of the fire, will close for the season a week early, on Dec. 28, to facilitate the fire recovery, organizers said. Skating will be available through Dec. 28. Those holding tickets for Dec. 29 through Jan. 4 will get their money back.
Officials said they are aiming to hold most of the events schedule for January, as city inspectors have already come in and helped the convention center crews understand all the steps required to reopen. Officials added that the visit is not an official inspection, but rather a guideline of needed steps for occupancy.
An official reopening date has not yet been determined.
Last week's fire that damaged the Raleigh Convention Center roof, causing an estimated $2 million in damages, according to Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin.
Early indications are that a gas line leak from a heating and air conditioning unit may be to blame.
