Ralph Nicholas Jr., fourth from left, and Butler Mayor Frank “Skip” LeFevre, second from right, break ground on what would become Butler's first high-rise luxury apartment in July, 1970 at 530 N. Main St. Butler Eagle File Photo

Officials broke ground July 14, 1970, for what would become Butler’s first luxury high-rise apartments, which still stand at 530 N. Main St. as one of the few high-rise apartment buildings in the city.

The building was planned to be nine stories tall and have 84 one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with a full ceramic tile bathroom for each bedroom and equipped with their own weather-conditioning devices. Apartments also would feature a terrace, a dining room, carpeting throughout and a modern kitchen with a garbage disposal.

Ralph A. Nicholas Jr., president of NTC Properties, said some of the apartments in “The Townhouse” would be ready for occupancy the following January.

A number of community officials took part in the groundbreaking ceremony, including Mayor Frank “Skip” LeFevre.