Developers believe they can bring new life to the Old Town area of Olive Branch by building new loft-style apartments.

CBI Construction Co. has drawn plans and received approval from the Old Towne Design and Review Board to construct two upscale apartments atop a 100-year-old building on Depot Street.

Bettie Puckett, director of the Old Towne Preservation and Development Association, says she hopes the lofts would be a catalyst for more growth.

The downtown area has struggled in recent years as businesses have developed in other parts of the city in fast-growing DeSoto County.