The city of Fridley is out to put a little spring in the step of an old rambler, and wants to take residents for the ride.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, residents are invited to an open house at 831 Mississippi St. In February, the city purchased the 1959 rambler for $127,500 as part of the Home Improvement Demonstration Program. Over the next four months, workers from Lennox Builders and Counselor Realty's Tim Van Auken will redesign and remodel the three bedroom, 1 1/2-bath, 1,640-square-foot house. Lennox worked on a similar project with the city of Coon Rapids.

The project will add another 200 square feet of living space; the total budget is $59,000. The house was not a foreclosure; it was vacant after its owner died.

Over the course of the project, the house will be open for a midway open house in May, and again when it is finished. Residents can follow the progress of the remodel at tinyurl.com/fridley.

One of the objectives is to demonstrate some of the recommendations in the book the city helped to put together, "Cape Cods and Ramblers: A Remodeling Planbook." The city also has a home improvement loan program and free remodeling advisory service.

When completed, the house will be sold.

MARIA ELENA BACA