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Omaha, NE -- A face lift is coming to the area just west of downtown Omaha.

The city is working with developers to spruce up an area that has become a bit of a middleman.

Officials have their eyes on an area between Dodge & Harney Streets, from 20th to 25th Streets.

Todd Heistand, co-owner of NuStyle Development said he is working with the city and other developers to revamp 16 blocks of downtown.

"In the past, (people think), 'How can I get from the interstate to downtown as quick as possible, with one-way streets?'" said Heistand. "So what we are trying to do, is really make it feel like you can walk down in the neighborhood and feel good about it."

For the past year, Heistand has been working on The Highline, which is 16 floors of new apartments located at 24th & Dodge Streets

Heistand said the apartment building is the beginning of a much larger plan that will build up an area that has been vacant for too long.

"This was a building that stood vacant for 11 years," said Heistand. "Now, we can reutilize it. It's the best green thing you can do -- turn it into 194 apartments that will help the neighborhood turn back into a true neighborhood. "

Heistand said this building will open in April, and they're already working on revamping other buildings within the 16 blocks.

He also said the revitalization was expected to take 10-15 years to complete, but with the way things are going, it could be finished within the next seven years.

The city planning department has submitted the results of a study for council members to look over.