Lexington's Courthouse Area Design Review Board ruled unanimously Wednesday night in favor of demolishing a city block to make way for the CentrePointe High Rise Project.

The city's Courthouse Area Design Review Board heard opinions from the developers, preservationists, and the public.

The Webb company, which now owns all the buildings on the block between Limestone and South Upper told the board the buildings were too old and in too poor shape to save.

The group, Preserve Lexington, disagreed. They said some of the historic buildings should be integrated into the development.

After five hours of an open forum, the board took the vote. But, even though the developer has the approval to bring out the wrecking ball it must now get the OK for the highrise plans.

Developer Dudley Webb tells 27 NEWSFIRST, "The buildings that aren't fronting Main Street could come down right away, and then I think there's a 30 day waiting period for the buildings on Main Street to see if there's an appeal.

The Webb Company wants to build a 35 story high rise that would include a hotel, condominiums, retail and office space. The entire Centrepointe development is estimated at $250 million.