Demolition has begun in Downtown Fairfield to make way for a controversial residential development.

Earlier this year, several small businesses on Unquowa Road received notice from their landlord of his plans to turn the property into a 50-unit apartment complex.

The town initially denied the project, but the owner appealed the decision in state court and won.

Fairfield continued to fight the complex until ultimately coming to an agreement. The deal includes at least two commercial spaces on the ground floor.