After nearly five years of planning, the first stage of a major change to an eastern Iowa community is underway.

Wednesday morning demolition began on what will eventually be the new Cedar Valley TechWorks.

Where 40 buildings now stand at John Deere's Westfield site in Waterloo, IA only five will remain once demolition is complete.

Once the project is finished, business at TechWorks will be focused on bio-technology.

Community leaders say the TechWorks project is an opportunity to transform the already thriving economy in the Cedar Valley.

President and CEO of Greater Cedar Valley Alliance Steve Dust says, "They've allowed us through this gift to take our economy to the next step in matching the commodoties that are grown in this area with the kind of creativity and innovation that's happening in Iowa around bi-products."

Demolition is expected to wrap up at the end of summer. The finished project is expected to be complete by mid 2008.