NORWICH — The Barnes brothers are building brand new apartment buildings on the corner of Birdsall Street and Hale Street.

The project was first introduced to the Norwich common council last summer. Once the demolition of a previous structure allowed construction to move forward, the brothers didn't waste any time.

"Once they were able to clear the structure that was there they were able to really move right along," said Alderman Matthew Caldwell. "They're not wasting any time, they're going as fast as fast can go."

Rich Barnes, owner of Colonia Theater and Barnes Electric in Norwich, said he and his brother decided to build the units as a way to help improve the community.

"Well basically my brother and I were talking and we were trying to improve the area," said Barnes. "He bought the property and we decided this was the best thing to do for that lot."

Robert D. Jeffrey, the Alderman of Ward 6, where the buildings will be located, said he thinks the project will be great for the community.

"I think this is a huge thing for Ward 6. Again, you took a property that was beyond disrepair and they tore it down and they're building new. And again, this is all about revitalizing our neighborhoods and they are a key critical part of that neighborhood," said Jeffrey.

The apartment buildings will have four units each, according to Barnes. He also stated they will have an open floor plan, and will be handicap accessible.

"Yup four units each, there's an open living, dining room, kitchen area, and they're gonna be handicap accessible," Barnes explained.

Jeffrey has been supportive of this project since the beginning, recognizing that quality housing is a necessity in the area.

"They had the foresight to take this dilapidated building, tear it down, and put in housing that is much needed. Or I'll say quality housing that is much needed in this area," said Jeffrey.

Caldwell agrees, and stated he has full confidence in the quality of the project.

"One great thing about these will be is they are brand new, and these guys do great work, they will spare no expense," said Caldwell. "They are gonna be really quality apartments, there's no doubt about it."

According to Barnes, they plan to have both building finished by the fall.

"We're hoping to have it done by fall. It was, you know, you use building blocks for the interior and stuff will go up fairly quickly, which we'll see here in the next few weeks," he said.

Barnes added that Aldermen and residents alike have endorsed the buildings, stating that they've had "mainly positive feedback."

"I'm very supportive of this project, I think it's fantastic, and I'm really excited to see what they look like when they're finished," said Jeffrey.