About 75 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for an 18-unit modular motel to be built adjacent to the Lantern Restaurant in Nesquehoning.

James Macaluso, owner of the restaurant who is having the motel complex built, said he expects the motel to be ready for occupancy about Christmas of this year. The structure will be built by Caprice Modular Homes, Lehighton.

The Lantern was purchased by Macaluso about 18 months ago. He said the motel will adjoin the restaurant, and in the future, riding stables and a swimming pool will be added.

The two-story structure will measure 180 feet long and will be of frame and brick veneer construction.