Heavy equipment began yanking down the old Ponderosa Products plant Wednesday, making way for an "energy-efficient, mixed-use" development in Albuquerque's ever-changing Sawmill district.

"Today is about the victory of the Sawmill community and about our future," said Connie Chavez, Sawmill Community Land Trust executive director.

The old particle board plant, which closed several years ago, had long been a sore spot for those who lived in the area. Some residents for years wanted the plant gone due to environmental concerns, or air pollution and water contamination that was tied to the site, located north of Explora museum.

Max Ramirez, an area resident and a founding member of the Sawmill Advisory Council and the land trust, was recognized and praised by many Wednesday as the one who led the charge against it.

Ramirez, during a ceremony that launched the demolition, spoke about how he and his wife would wake up in bed covered with sawdust. People recalled when Ramirez could be seen protesting in front of the factory.

"It's been a long, long struggle. People don't know the struggle that happened here ... But being persistent, it's finally going to happen," Ramirez told the crowd.

The vacated plant with its graffitied, sheet-metal exterior was nothing more than an eyesore and potential fire hazard, said Rep. Rick Miera, D-Albuquerque.

But taking its place soon will be the Sawmill Community Land Trust's "Sawmill Village."

The land trust -- the master developer of the already initiated Arbolera de Vida residential development -- has teamed up with developer PacifiCap Properties to build the project on seven acres.

According to information provided by the land trust, the first phase of construction includes the factory site. It would hold more than 150 units of apartments, townhomes and live/work spaces.

Financing for the project, estimated to cost about $35 million, could be in place by summer. Construction could take about 12 to 18 months.