CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Demolition was underway in Thursday morning at the site of the former ACI building on Goddard Road in Cranston. Mayor Ken Hopkins announced last spring that Rhode Island’s first Costco Wholesale was in the works and the retailer was eyeing that property for a potential new location. However, Costco withdrew its zoning and permit applications last August. In response, Cranston Planning Director Jason Pezzullo said the company was welcome to submit its applications again at any time. RELATED: 3 communities hoping to house RI’s first Costco Rhode Island is one of four states that doesn’t have a Costco, with the closest stores located in East Lyme, Connecticut, and Avon, Massachusetts. Hopkins' chief of staff, Anthony Moretti, told 12 News the owner of the property has "started some limited site demolition preparation work while awaiting a formal demolition permit," but he didn't have any specifics on the property's future. "The building is ultimately going to be removed, so the owner is starting with hopes that a formal announcement of a tenant or end user can be announced in the near future," Moretti said in a statement. "The site has been approved for a large industrial warehouse use." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW