Residential, Retail Buildings Could Replace Durham Eyesore

A major Durham eyesore could become a key part of the city's revitalization.

The city council voted 5-2 Thursday to rezone the Heart of Durham hotel property. The abandoned building sits on a prime piece of property at the entrance of the downtown loop.

A developer wants to build more than 400 apartments and 40 townhouses. Two 27-story towers for retail use could also get built on the land.

The project will be called the Residences at Ashton.