PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) — A utility is paying to maintain and secure a pair of retired power stations in Pueblo as negotiations continue to redevelop the site.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports Black Hills Energy, which owns the stations, is working with the developer Riverwalk North Alliance on a deal to transform the site into spaces for retail, restaurants and a hotel.

Black Hills spokesperson Julie Rodriguez says the utility spends about $100,000 per year on maintenance and security. She says they hope to have a deal finalized in the coming months.

The Pueblo City Council designated the power stations as a local historic landmark Monday to help prevent them from being demolished.

Rodriguez says it may take a year or two before construction could begin due to regulatory filings and other requirements.

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Information from: The Pueblo Chieftain, http://www.chieftain.com