Commonwealth Management Companies of Madison and Fond Du Lac, Wisc., re-purposed the former Blue Bell factory into Historic Blue Bell Loft Senior Living Apartments located on South Whitley Street, near downtown Columbia City. The senior development offers units ranging from 685-998 sq. ft. for those 55 and over. In the early 1900’s, the building was the largest producer of Wrangler blue jeans in the world and in 1978 Blue Bell discontinued its manufacturing operations in Columbia City. The building was occupied by several businesses after the jeans-maker vacated until approximately 10 years ago. The developer worked with city officials for more than two years until final designs for the project were completed. An opening in February 2017 created 52 senior apartments, offering 1-2 bedroom sizes with 37 (assigned) garages. Lengacher Bros. handled the interior demo and framing rebuild, as well as the garage framing.