Marcus Dairy Demolition Started Monday

Danbury issued the first two demolition permits for buildings at Marcus Dairy, and Michael Marcus, who will oversee the construction project for the Shops at Marcus Dairy said removing the historic dairy could start today.

It did. The back of the dairy building is on the ground, and workers are separating the wood, cement and metal for disposal or sale.

The dairy, which was founded by Jack Marcus in the early 1900s, is being replaced by stores, including a Whole Foods. Marcus said he is hoping Whole Foods will open in early 2013.

Former customers of the dairy's coffee shop have lamented the loss of an ice cream shop/hamburger joint they used to visit as children with their parents. For years motorcyclists out for the day made the dairy a stop on their day trips.

Danbury's Planning Commission gave the project a revised site plan approval Wednesday, said Neal Marcus, a prominant Danbury land-use attorney and Michael's brother.

Marcus said he expected state Traffic Commission approval shortly and he is awaiting approal from the Environmental Impact Commission. He said once all the approvals are in, he will seek building permits.