New apartments and stores are planned to replace one of Fort Collins' 'ugliest' parts of town in the near future.

Much of Block 23 on North College Avenue (between Cherry and Maple streets) has been left vacant for almost 10 years, but now developer J.D. Padilla of Post Modern Development promises the Coloradoan he'll construct an "iconic building" in place of what the newspaper refers to as an "eyesore."

"Lifestyle is what we are looking for more than anything else," said Padilla, who bought the property in January 2015 for $3.35 million and plans to build apartments and stores. "A place where you can go in and you won't have to leave to get anything you want. We will have services and the convenience of shops that (residents) need."

The first floor will house commercial and retail businesses, offices and a few apartments on the second floor, and high-end apartments on the upper levels of the new building.

The space is just east of Old Town Flats, Penny Flats, and the MAX bus rapid transit system, and south of the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Despite the congestion, however, Padilla promises plenty of parking for residents on the 3-acre lot.

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