SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Common Council announced it voted Monday night to authorize the purchase of 1204 Indiana Ave., a historic building, to be transformed into a community center.

Officials say this is the culmination of a six-year effort through a partnership between the Rum Village Neighborhood Association and Sixth District Common Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski.

The new community center will function as a partnership between the city and the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County.

The Boys & Girls Club is set to run the programs once the center is open.

Councilmembers say the Board of Public Works may now complete the property purchase and begin planning the renovation.