(Michigan City, IN) - The original Michigan City Public Library has been transformed into apartments. Dubbed Casa del Libri (“house of books”), the old library on the corner of E. 8th and Spring Streets now features five new, luxury apartments.
The Indiana limestone structure opened to the public in 1897. It was designed by architectural firm Reed & Stem, which also designed Grand Central Station in New York City. John H. Barker and George Ames spearheaded an effort among local residents to raise the $30,000 needed for construction. Atop the cornice of the neoclassical building they inscribed, “PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN CITY.”
After sitting vacant for decades, the building has been returned to the people, finding another life as housing. Distinctive architectural features have been preserved, including marble-clad walls and fireplaces and the iconic 12-foot-high Tiffany-style stained glass window depicting the Shakespearean figures Rosalind, Portia and Ophelia.
For Bernie DelGiorno, one of the developers, maintaining the historical features of the building was an essential part of the project. “We look forward to creating a unique community of residents all living under one historic roof,” he said. “By transforming the property into residential apartments, it revitalizes a once-forgotten work of art that can now be enjoyed by full-time Michigan City residents.”
Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch helped DelGiorno cut the ribbon on the new apartments, joined by over twenty onlookers.
The renovation has taken three years to complete. According to Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse, the time is right to turn the page on the historic structure. “Reviving the former library into livable space truly bridges the past and the future as we honor our city’s foundation with new housing options,” he said.
