The developers of the Triangles Records building have disputed claims they are demolishing the building.

“It’s alternative construction,”said Jacob Jefferies, of Kingdom LLC, the developer for the project.

Bulldozers removed approximately three-quarters of the mid-century building Tuesday. Jefferies said the new method is an effort to maintain the character of the building while maximizing the height and profitability.

“Alternative construction is not construction,” preservationist Bill Dinlover said. “It’s demolition.”

The plan calls for a 30-story mixed-use building filled with 200 microunits that will house young urban professionals. Originally, the 69-year-old building housed a car dealership, but this project will maintain tribute to this purpose with 27 stories of parking.

Community members and preservation activists have been meeting with the developers to try to convince them to preserve the entire building and amend the plans. The alternative construction of the building led to outrage and controversy as people claimed the method was actually demolition.

Part of the controversy surrounding the development surrounds the possibility of the use of a tax incentive to help fund the project. Some community members feel alternative construction was not appropriate, and giving public money to the project could send the wrong message.

Kingdom maintains they are just keeping up with current methods for historic preservation in downtown and “doing more than most” to preserve the building. Michelle Todds, the historic preservation officer for Phoenix said she had never heard of alternative construction as a method of preservation.

“The standards for preservation are constantly changing,” Janet Daisy, a representative of the developer said. “Kingdom development is just adjusting to a changing downtown.”

Daisy also accused Phoenix Diablo of being fake news after reporting the development as demolition.

Jacob Jefferies the principal developer for the project said the new method is an effort to maintain the character of the building while maximizing the height.

“So many buildings these days are trying to knock it down and start all new,” Geoffries said. “We’re doing better.”

Artists will paint the building, and be heavily involved in the design. The murals and artwork will be a tribute to the memory to the artists.

“As rents rise and galleries close at least we’ll have the murals to remember the art district by,” Pat Metrisko said.

Kingdom plans to push forward with the alternative construction of the building. They maintain that a tax break is needed for the alternative preservation to be completed. If not they will have to demolish the building. Jefferies said the goal is to preserve the history of the building so long as they are still building the most profitable building possible.

“If all else fails I guess we’ll just put a tribute plaque outside,” Jefferies shrugged.