The lower level of the historic Jacobson Apartments building on Broadway Avenue is set to become the home of Albert Lea’s new Vitality Center.

During the Albert Lea City Council meeting on Monday, councilors approved the transition of the city-owned building into a space where local residents and tourists can go to learn about increasing vitality. It comes just two weeks after the close of the pilot AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project, which aimed to help residents lead longer, healthier lives.

Plans are to have the building renovated, refurbished and opened to the public by the beginning of 2010, said City Manager Victoria Simonsen.

Two $10,000 donations, one from AARP and another from United Health Foundation, will kick-start the renovations. The remaining remodeling and furnishings will come from grant funding, donations and in-kind gifts, she said.

Plans for the center were officially announced Oct. 13 at the celebration of the conclusion of the pilot Vitality Project; however, now that the city’s donation of space in the Jacobson Apartments building is official, those plans can move forward.

Simonsen said the public will be able to view the space in the Jacobson Apartments building, 211 S. Broadway Ave., before it is transformed during an open house scheduled for Nov. 12.

At that event there will also be a list available of the specific items and services that will be needed to open the center by the first of the year.

Simonsen said if people have an interest in contributing to the project, they are welcome to get involved.