A conceptual drawing of Fenwick Tower. Developers have unveiled their plans to turn a 40-year-old concrete tower in Halifax's south end into a modern, glass-covered apartment complex.

Dozens of people came out to a public meeting Thursday night to see what Templeton Properties Ltd. has planned for Fenwick Place.

At 33 storeys, the former Dalhousie University student residence is as ugly as it is tall, said neighbour Rebecca Jameson.

"Our preferred option is to tear the whole thing down and have something really nice in the spot," Jameson said.

The building won't be demolished. But it will be "unrecognizable" after the $100-million renovation, said Joe Metlege, with Templeton Properties.

"The only thing that will be remaining of Fenwick tower is the skeleton," he said. "The entire building from the inside out will be completely gutted and it will be completely recladded."

As Fenwick Place, the building served as a residence for students at Dalhousie University. (CBC)The plan also calls for two new buildings next door, townhouses in front and a pedestrian walkway.

Leanne Yoshida, who works next door, welcomes the change.

"My first impression is that just changing the outside will be so exciting. But then all the other stuff they're doing on the street level is also great," said Yoshida.

But Jameson isn't pleased with the plan to have the building's facade extend out 11 metres.

"Because the mass of the tower is the single biggest problem with the building, making it bigger doesn't necessarily resonate with the neighbours," she said.

Templeton Properties has been consulting with the community for months. The company plans to file a development application by early January.

The project will need the approval of Halifax regional council to proceed.