Jefferson’s restaurant at 743 Massachusetts St. is on the road to reopening, owner Brandon Graham said Thursday after announcing he’d received a permit this week to begin construction on the fire and smoke damaged building.

Firefighters investigate a fire at Jefferson's, 743 Massachusetts St., on Jan. 15.

A fire at the downtown restaurant on Jan. 15 closed its doors as fire investigators worked to assess damages and the possible cause, which was ultimately ruled “undetermined,” and as Graham worked with insurance and other agencies.

But now, nearly five months later, Graham said the end is in sight and Lawrence residents may be able to get their fried-pickle and hot-wing fix as early as this fall.

“My hope is that we’re able to get done in August when the students return,” Graham said, “but who knows?”

Graham said the construction process began Tuesday — with demolition, cleanup and structural work. He said most of the work is needed in the back area of the restaurant.

“It’s definitely a good feeling to see some material changes and to see progress toward reopening,” Graham said.

Graham said that the famed dollar bills that covered the restaurant’s walls are now long gone, but they were tallied up before they were removed. When the restaurant reopens he plans to host a contest for customers to guess how many Washingtons had graced Jefferson’s walls before the fire. The closest guess will win free hot wings for a year.