CRYSTAL FALLS -- It's taken two years of failed plans and bureaucratic battles, but the Crystal View apartment project finally became a reality on August 29.

"We're going to have lights on downtown again," said Mike Lahti (D) 110th District Representative.  "We're going to have businesses on the first floor.  It's a big structure, a good looking structure, in downtown Crystal Falls."

Michigan State Housing Development Authority officials have granted Hovey Companies, a downstate housing development company, a mortgage loan to renovate a vacant downtown building into a 24-unit apartment complex.  The building, once known as Crystal Manor, has been empty since the nursing home inside closed eight years ago.

"The infrastructure for growth is already here," Lahti said.  "We don't have to spend money to build it somewhere else in a while new area."

Architect Barry Polzin has designed two one bedroom, and 22 two bedroom units, along with office and restaurant rooms in the four level buiding.  He says he will also renovate the building's facade, but has promised to retain its current outside appearance.

"Towns are made up of the historical fabric," said Polzin.  "The buildings have been built over time, so it's really important for a building like this, which means so much to the community, to be preserved."

The building is currently listed on the National Historic Registry.

Officials hope to begin construction in the next six weeks and wrap up in late 2009.