Downtown Turlock’s newest restaurant, Memo’s Cocina, is one step closer to opening.

The City of Turlock confirmed that Memo’s Cocina’s owners pulled construction permits on Tuesday morning, allowing remodel work to proceed on the former J.C. Penney building at 139 W. Main St.

The restaurant will be operated by Karina and Guillermo Ramirez, owners of Turlock’s Las Casuelas. The new Memo’s Cocina will focus on healthier Mexican fare and a large selection of tequila.

Memo’s Cocina was originally expected to open in April, but the grand opening has been delayed. The restaurant is currently hiring; applications may be dropped off at Las Casuelas, 3203 Entertainment Way.

Memo’s Cocina won’t occupy all of the former J.C. Penney building. California State University, Stanislaus plans to open “The Art Space on Main” in the building, housing an art gallery and studios for Bachelor of Fine Arts students. Those studios present an unusual opportunity for undergraduate students, and will distinguish CSU Stanislaus as a premiere school for the study of art, CSU Stanislaus Art Department Chair Roxanne Robbin said.

The Art Space on Main is expected to open before Memo’s Cocina.