They had a beam signing this weekend in downtown Amarillo.

The beam is set to become part of the superstructure that’s going to hold up a new hotel currently under construction.

The Embassy Suites Hotel eventually will open its doors to business clientele coming to Amarillo for conventions touting this and/or that product, or provide professional development for the attendees.

It’s part of what has been called a “catalyst project” aimed at reconfiguring downtown Amarillo. There’s more to come.

I happen to be one of those Amarillo residents who’s quite excited about the prospects for the city’s downtown district.

It’s been a sometimes-rocky ride. The downtown district hasn’t yet reached a smooth road or calm waters. There well could be more tumult to come.

The beam signing, though, suggests — to me, at least — that the city is moving forward.

The Embassy Suites is being financed by a private developer, Chuck Patel, who seems to see a big future in this city. He rounded up some investors to buy in, made his pitch and has broken ground. The hotel is rising up as I write this brief post.

It’s worthwhile to remember the last time anyone saw three construction cranes moving heavy pieces on sites downtown. The Southwestern Public Service building construction is well under way; a parking garage is going up, too.

The Big Enchilada, of course, is The Ballpark, or MPEV, or whatever you choose to call it. It, too, is planned for downtown’s district. There could be a major tenant taking up residence there once it’s built: a AA minor-league baseball franchise.

Today, though, we have a beam signing to symbolize some major strides forward for the city’s future.

Not bad at all.