BEDFORD – The Quality Inn hotel and the Wayfarer Convention Center on South River Road have closed for renovations.

Only the section known as the "Upper Falls" will be refurbished, the owner said, to be a new, smaller hotel.

The rest of the property is for sale, according to Alex Barias, chief engineer for Jiten Hotel Management Inc. of Brockton, Mass., which owns the property.

A new entrance and lobby will be added on what is now the back side of the Upper Falls building facing the Bedford Mall and a grassy area will be converted to parking spaces, he said.

Much of the original structure, which included Quackers Lounge, a restaurant and convention center, is surrounded by new wire fencing in preparation for winter and possible work on the property.

The Wayfarer Inn & Convention Center in Bedford is surrounded by a fence. (THOMAS ROY)

Restaurant fixtures and furniture are being sold.

Plans call for a re-opening next March.

The Quality Inn has 175 rooms. The new version will be at 82 or 83 rooms, the company said. New air conditioning is being installed.

The property features a historic mill building and waterfall, which has been a traditional stopping-off point for visiting media and candidates during the New Hampshire presidential primary.

The business closed Nov. 11.