Factory From 1800s, Where Parts For Barbie Dolls Were Made, Gets Lifestyle Lift

JONESVILLE, Mich. (AP) - An old factory in southern Michigan that made parts for Barbie dolls is getting a new life as an apartment building.

The old Kiddie Brush and Toy factory in Jonesville has been quiet since the 1970s. But by next spring, the owners hope to have nearly 50 housing units with one or two bedrooms.

Jonesville is in Hillsdale County, about 50 miles southeast of Battle Creek. City Manager Jeff Gray tells the Hillsdale Daily News that the project has been anticipated for a long time.

The brick building has been around since the late 1800s. It produced wagons, carriages, sleighs and cars before it was turned into a toy factory. Besides Barbie parts, it also made the Suzy Goose line of housekeeping toys.

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