(Le Mars) -- Over 9,000 miles away from home, the Darmanin family of Malta is creating what

will soon be the home to at least 2 Le Mars residents. Charles and Doris Darmanin have owned

the building that's the current location of Hair Trendz and Twice is Nice for 12

years.  When there's business on the lower level, sometimes the upper level in historic

downtown buildings can be a mystery.  Not anymore at 107 & 109 Plymouth Street NW!

Nearly every summer they spend 5 weeks of vacation from their iron work business in Europe

to come to Le Mars and, well...work!

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That's their son Lloyd. With his help, two light-filled, street facing apartments are re-done

from floor to ceiling with arched doorways leading from room to room.

 

Just a couple weeks ago, Lloyd says the outside facade was restored to reflect historic

downtown Le Mars style.

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They were also able to maintain the original windows.  Nearly finished bathrooms have a

fresh look with new tile and fixtures.  And, besides a few finishing touches- what's left is

getting water up there as well as electrical.  The Darmanin's say that's in store for next

summer, as their time runs out this year August 17th.

They said respecting the age of the building is important to them, the permits to build this

specific building were drawn up in 1902.  However, compared to where they're from: Malta, a

small island south of Sicily, Lloyd joked with me about how 100+ years is nothing.

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So what brought them to Le Mars in the first place? Their daughter married someone from

Merrill.  Even though she doesn't live here anymore, Mother, Father and Son keep coming

back. Not just because of the property, but also because they love the people...oh, and Lyle

loves American cars.  He frequents car shows and has bought for different classic cars in

the time he's spent here over the years. The cars have made the trip across the Atlantic to Malta.

Two additional apartments, that haven't been lived in since the 60's or 70's, located on the rear side of

the building, still await a face lift.  When will those be complete?  The

Darmanin's aren't sure, but there's already interest in the two that are being renovated. 

They hope to have them done after next summer's visit to Le Mars.

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