(Spirit Lake)– One of Spirit Lake’s most historic buildings is about to get a major facelift and some new uses.
A ceremony was held Wednesday in what at one time was the lobby of Antler’s Hotel. Among those speaking was Mayor Eric Nielsen who told a large crowd the project represents an exciting time for the city’s downtown.
Doug LaBounty, President of Community Housing Initiatives which is involved in the project along with the Troyka Group, says they’re very excited to get the project underway. He says the historic building will continue to serve as the community’s center piece once the rennovation project is complete.
The three and-a-half million dollar project consists of a complete rennovation of the building. LaBounty says the first two floors will be used for retail spaces while the upper floors will consist of 14 apartments.
Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson was also on hand for Wednesday’s event. She says it’s a wonderful thing to be able to save a historic building when so much of a community’s identity is tied to such a building. She says that’s certainly true with the Antler’s Hotel.
The Antler’s Hotel building is one of the oldest in Spirit Lake–it was built back in 1902 and at the time was said to be one of the most elegant hotels in the region.
