“They went crazy,” she said, “and we just had a lot of fun.”

Ms. Andres is one of the residents at the newly remodeled Century Towers senior housing development, which had its grand opening ceremony Thursday.

The development includes nine one-bedroom apartments, renting for $340 per month, and 27 two-bedroom apartments, renting for $420 a month. Each of the 36 apartments comes with a furnished kitchen and washer and dryer.

“We saw this project and thought, ‘Wow, this is one of the best historical buildings we’ve ever seen,’” said Mark Gardner, co-owner of Carlson Gardner Inc. in Springfield, Mo., which purchased the property three years ago.

The building, at 627 N. 25th St., is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We are thrilled to do this. We are thrilled to be able to provide high-quality housing for senior citizens in this community,” he said.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission financed the rehabilitation work with a $485,000 loan at 1 percent interest for 30 years and $264,272 in federal and state housing tax credits.

Tom Carlson, co-owner of Carlson Gardner Inc., said the first residents moved into the development early this summer.

“It rented faster than we thought it would,” he said. “We’re just glad we could restore this historical building to its original glory.”

And the approximately 20 residents gathered outside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony agreed.

“It’s just a lovely apartment,” Ms. Andres said. “I have lots of room.”

“I already feel at home,” added resident Phyllis Ramsel.