MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- The Economic Development Corporation Michigan City announced the three-year long renovations to the original Michigan City Public Library have been completed and held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the transformation.

Officials say the library is now known as Casa del Libri and features five new luxury apartments.

The apartments are located at Eighth and Spring Streets in the Elston Grove Historic Neighborhood.

“I think the biggest impact of the project is the fact that the library was opened to the public in 1897 as a pillar in the rich history of Michigan City. It has sat effectively vacant since the art center moved out decades ago,” said Bernie DelGiorno, who spearheaded the renovation. “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.”

Officials say the building highlights its history, which includes a 12-foot-high Tiffany-style-stained glass window depicting the Shakespearean figures Rosalind, Portia, and Ophelia.

City officials say the building, made of Indiana limestone, originally opened to the public on Oct. 9, 1897, as the city's first library.

“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,” said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “Casa del Libri or ‘house of books’ encompasses a celebration of history along with a modern vibe for luxury apartment living.”