Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday to kick off the renovation of the Cullman Emergency Medical Services (CEMS) building on U.S. 31. The building was heavily damaged by the April 27, 2011 tornado that struck downtown Cullman. The renovation will transform the blighted vacant building with a new facade of brick and large windows. It will feature 10 ambulance bays, waiting room, office space, sleeping quarters, conference and break rooms, restrooms and storage area. Construction is expected to take four to five months.