Plans are to convert the Little Crow Foods building into lofts by the Fall of 2017.

WARSAW — The building at the corner of Market and Detroit streets, vacant for just over three years, will soon be transformed into lofts. Receipt of government funds/grants has given a Wisconsin company the ability to covert a former manufacturing facility into living spaces.

Plans are underway to rehabilitate Little Crow Foods into loft style units to be known as Little Crow Lofts.

Design plans, along with working with financial institutions, are taking place according Kevin McDonell, vice president of development for Commonwealth Development Corporation, Fond du Lac, Wis., who will be transforming the former manufacturing facility. “This is an exciting project for the city,” McDonell stated.

“We are planning 42 apartments (loft style units), a mixture of one and two bedrooms, for young professionals and families, to support the workforce in the downtown area,” said McDonnell. Rent could range between $500 to $700 per month.

“For the most part, we will be remodeling the structure. Current plans are to remove the metal section by the railroad and expose the original brick facade,” McDonell said; adding “It’s a really cool building, with bay windows. The outside is not much, but inside is unique. The interior has exposed brick and big windows for light coming in and offers a view of the downtown.”

Remodeling is planned to begin in the fall of 2016 with completion the following fall. However, this will be dependent upon approvals, including those of design plans and approval by the city of Warsaw.

Funding for the project has been received through various grants such as the recently received Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Rental House Tax Credit, in the amount of $638,569. The Commonwealth also received $500,000 from the Development Fund. The company additionally received a Historic Tax Credit.

McDonell is also working with the state Historic Society. This is challenging, according to McDonell, who stated while some desired rehabilitation ideas may not meet the approval of the state historical preservation office.

The total project is estimated to cost $8.4 million.

It was while McDonell was working with Lake City Bank officials, on a similar project in Columbia City, he was told about the Little Crow Foods building. “They told me about a Warsaw building that might be right up our alley. I did some research, came to tour the building and they were right. It’s a great location,” said McDonell.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for redevelopment of the downtown. There’s not many apartment options downtown and this will provide additional apartment options,” he said.

In October, the Warsaw Plan Commission approved recommending changes to the city’s comprehensive plan to the city council to help the developer in securing grants as well as future affordable housing grant applicants.

Little Crow Foods was established in 1903, making such products as CoCo Wheats and Miracle Maize. In 2012 the company was sold to Gilster-Mary Lee, Chester, Ill.

The Denny Fuller family gifted the property to the Kosciusko County Community Foundation on Dec. 10, 2012.