An eyesore in the heart of downtown St. John's may soon be getting a facelift — and a big one.

Henry Bell Development is proposing an eight-storey mixed-use building for the old Newfoundland Telephone structure on Duckworth Street.

This building on Duckworth Street may soon get a facelift. (CBC)

It's the third time a developer has spent cash looking at trying to rehabilitate the building. But this developer expects this proposal to work.

That’s because it’s part of an already-approved development across the street — one that includes 400 new parking spaces.

"The other proposals could not provide adequate parking,” project consultant Dick Cook told CBC News.

“In addition, with the additional floors we are getting it makes it more economical for the building of the number of units we are having there."

The flaking paint, boarded-up windows and graffiti are something Aine Maclellan says she won't miss. The MUN student can see the building out the front window of her apartment.

"It just looks unlived in, unused — it just looks sort of pointless to have it there," Maclellan said.

The Downtown Development Commission is on side.

“This area has been in a state of disrepair for some time, and we’re really happy to see development here,” DDC chair Susan LeDrew said.

The proposal is currently under review at city hall.

An assessment report and public meeting are required before council can make a decision.