The face of Northgate is about to get a major facelift.

At 717 University Drive, directly next to the Taco Bell, an 18 story high rise is about to start rising to the heavens.

"I think there is a certain level of excitement in that, this is the type of redevelopment we want to see in Northgate," said Lance Simms Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services in College Station.

Simms is currently reviewing plans for the high rise which will include retail space on University Drive.

That retail space will house a 20,000 square foot grocery store along with cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants. 400 parking spots will also be made available with a parking garage.

"It's a pedestrian area, it's an urban area. We actually want to encourage transparency on the first floor and create some visual interest for the pedestrians in the area," said Simms.

"This city of College Station is a place that we've always wanted to build," said J.J. Smith with Campus Acquisitions.

Campus Acquisitions is helping bring the 18 story, 175 apartment high rise to Northgate.

"The market research that we've done supports the density that we'll be bringing to the area, about 500 students," said Smith

A demolition permit has been issued for the removal of the building currently at 717 University and work is expected to start in the coming weeks. The 18 story high rise is scheduled to be completed and ready for residents by the fall of 2013.

Multi-use, high density living is a trend that's been picking up some steam on University Drive. The current high rise in College Station, The Plaza, will be coming down over the summer and in it's place a new multi-use residential complex.

The old Albertson's on the corner of University and College will also be demolished and be the home of another complex called The Stack.