BENNINGTON — After sitting vacant for more than seven years, the Highland Inn across from the Crotched Mountain Ski Area on Route 47 may be ready for customers in time for winter.

The Planning Board is currently reviewing a proposal to combine two lots, one with the 32-unit motel and another with a separate lodge, and the goal is to develop 33 condominium units. During the planning process, the owner decided to restore the building to a functional motel as a backup plan if the condo proposal is rejected. Either way, skiers next season could occupy the building for the first time in years.

“The rooms have been 80 to 90 percent reconstructed,” said Jim Bolduc, owner of Lepene Engineering and Surveying of Tilton.

Bolduc’s company has been hired to shepherd the lot adjustments and condominium plan through the local planning process. Bolduc has also attended a walk-through of the property with the general contractor in charge of their restoration and Building Inspector Peter Hopkins. Bolduc said the units need some minor electrical work and some carpeting, but are otherwise ready for inhabitants.

The two identical 16-unit buildings and a nearby lodge were built in 1987, said Bolduc, and are structurally in good shape. The building has been defunct for seven or eight years since a fire, according to Planning Board Chairman Jeff Rose. The buildings were kept secure from vandals and rodents during their dormancy, said Bolduc, and developed only slight mold over those years. According to Rose, plumbing, wiring and sheetrock have been replaced throughout.

Bolduc said the owner, who resides in Louisiana, is interested in selling the lodge first, assuming the condominium plan is approved. The lodge includes a restaurant, bar and function rooms, he said. Aside from the minimum code issues, full restoration of the buildings will employ a number of contractors for some time, leading to some job creation, said Bolduc.

According to Town Administrator Denise French, the lot with the two motel buildings is valued at $339,100, with 46 percent depreciation. The lodge lot is valued at $260,300 with 41 percent depreciation. If each lot were restored to functional quality, their combined value might increase by as much as $300,000.

The board will conduct a public site walk on July 12 at 6:45 p.m. at the inn. A public hearing will follow at 7:45 p.m. at the Town Hall.