Crews begin construction on a 9-foot-tall brick and stone kiosk at the northeast corner of Ninth and Massachusetts streets. The kiosk will include a “you are here” type of map to aid visitors who aren’t familiar with the downtown area.

It is 9 feet tall and drawing curious stares at the corner of Ninth and Massachusetts in downtown Lawrence.

It is not the world’s tallest street performer, but Downtown Lawrence Inc. officials think it will grab the attention of visitors for years to come. Construction work is underway on a new Downtown Lawrence kiosk that will include a downtown map, a listing of more than 180 downtown businesses, and a lighted sign board to list upcoming downtown events.

“We’re thrilled that it is finally happening,” said Sally Zogry, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. “A lot of people have said we’ve needed it for a long time.”

The kiosk will include a “you are here” type of map, which Zogry said should help aid visitors who aren’t familiar with the downtown area.

The brick and stone kiosk will be at the northeast corner of Ninth and Massachusetts streets. Construction is expected to be completed in another week or two.

All dues-paying members of Downtown Lawrence Inc. will get their businesses listed on the directory. Businesses that aren’t members of Downtown Lawrence Inc. can purchase listing space from Downtown Lawrence Inc. for $175 a year.

The kiosk project has been in the works since at least 2008, but has been slow to develop. Zogry said the project ended becoming a reality as several private businesses donated to the project. Lawrence-based First Management has donated all the construction materials and labor for the project, and Lawrence-based Treanor Architects donated the design work for the kiosk. Proceeds from a beer festival hosted by The Granada and Merchants Pub & Plate earlier this year also were used to help pay for the project, and The Phoenix Gallery also made a significant contribution, Zogry said.