Save the dates!

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A public open house commemorating a newly-renovated Spencer landmark is set for the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010.

Beginning next month, the former Spencer Middle School building located at 104 E. Fourth St. will host apartments owned by Community Housing Initiatives on the second and third floors. The Spencer Area Activity Center, otherwise known as Spencer's senior center, will own and relocate onto the building's first floor. The Spencer school district will maintain ownership of the building's auditorium, gymnasium and basement.

The Jan. 14 open house, which will be co-hosted by the Spencer Area Activity Center and Community Housing Initiatives, is scheduled to commence with special guests and dignitaries receiving tours of the building from 1-2 p.m. Tours will then be offered to the general public from 3-4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon on the first floor, in the Spencer Area Activity Center's new location.

In the meantime, representatives of the Spencer Area Activity Center are planning to move from their current location at Gateway North Center the first week of January. Assistance is being sought from the community. Individuals or groups willing to help the senior center with its move are asked to call Spencer Area Activity Center Director Mary Ann Harden at 262-1782.

New apartment dwellers, meanwhile, are slated to begin moving into Spencer School Apartments on Friday, Jan. 15. Of the 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments available, four parties have currently signed lease agreements. For more information on renting an apartment at Spencer School Apartments, contact Chelsie VanderWiede or Brittany Spieker at 262-5965 or (866) 279-9573.