A handful of projects totaling more than $50 million will revamp a northern Kentucky city's aging downtown, beginning with the demolition of about 90 homes.

The Covington projects include the state's widening of 12th Street, a new development designated to as an artist district and the $34 million Saint Elizabeth Medical Center.

The state opened bids recently for the third of four demolition contracts in the $17.5 million 12th Street widening project. AFM Demolition of Independence was the low bidder, but the state would not release further details until a contract is awarded.

Nancy Wood, a spokeswoman for the state highway department office, said work should begin around May 1.

Forty buildings are being demolished for the widening project.