(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)

A 19-story residential tower is being built at the original site of Stewart Motor Company in downtown Phoenix.

After a public fight over a partial demolition, construction is now underway at the site of a former Studebaker car dealership at Central Avenue and McKinley Street in Phoenix.

The Empire Group describes its project as a 19-story luxury high rise in the heart of downtown. It will feature a key part of the original building, a circular portion that served as the main showroom where Studebaker cars rotated in a round window bay.

Built 70 years ago for Stewart Motor Company, it most recently housed Circles Discs and Tapes. Last year, after demolition began, the developer faced a public backlash and offered to preserve parts of the building and incorporate local art.

The project, dubbed "The Stewart," is expected to have more than 300 apartments along with retail and restaurants on the ground floor.

The first phase of construction includes eight levels of parking, while the second phase will continue with 11 floors of apartments.