HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Crews have demolished more than two-dozen dilapidated properties in a Huntington neighborhood in an effort to revitalize it.

A total 53 properties in the Fairfield neighborhood will be razed during the month-long project that began Sept. 14.

Christal Perry with the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority tells The Herald-Dispatch that 27 properties had been torn down by Wednesday.

The West Virginia National Guard and the Division of Highways are doing the demolition work. Without their help, city officials say the project would cost more and would take about two years to complete.