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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The downtown Syracuse Pike Block Project hit a milestone Monday. The rear wall of the Bond building at the intersection of Walton and South Clinton streets was demolished, making space for a public court yard.

The construction marks a turning point in the $25 million project.

When the project is finished next year, four historic buildings in the heart of downtown will feature 78 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space.

Organizers say the goal of the project is to open a connection to pedestrians in the heart of the city.

"So we're creating an entire pedestrian walkway all the way through the back here, with shops and restaurants and bars and it'll all be at a pedestrian level. There won't be any cars in here. It'll all be about walking when you go out at night," said Dave Nutting, CIP Structures CEO.

The Pike Block Project, which started seven and a half years ago, will provide a new pedestrian connection from Salina Street to Armory Square.