MIDDLETOWN — A historic building that holds memories for many people in the community is reopening this week after undergoing a $175,000 renovation.

Miami University Middletown is scheduled to celebrate the reopening of the campus’ oldest structure, Verity Lodge, with an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today , 4200 N. University Boulevard.

Middletown historian and longtime Armco employee Sam Ashworth will discuss Armco Park at 6:30 p.m., said university officials.

Armco Steel was instrumental in the founding of Miami University Middletown, including the donation of 141 acres and Verity Lodge, said Jan Toennisson, a spokeswoman for the university.

The building — its framework and exterior made of Armco Steel — was built in the early 1940s for exclusive use as a woman’s club for Armco Steel’s female employees. At that time, the land now occupied by MUM was Armco Park, which boasted a children’s amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel and train ride.

Toennisson said Miami has invited about 10 club members to the open house.

“We’ve also invited as many people as we could find — still around or still in town — the women who were part of that girls club organization — the Armco Girls’ Club. At one point in this buildings life that’s what it was, and the girls club were the female employees of Armco back in the 1940s and 1950s,” she said.

Mike Pratt, Miami’s regional campus dean, said the build holds fond memories for many people.

“So many people in the community have a connection to Verity Lodge, whether they were a member of the Armco Girls’ Club or spent time there like I did as a Miami Middletown student or attended some of the birthday parties, reunions, graduations, showers and receptions that have been held there over the years,” he said. “We want to make sure that it can be used like this for many years to come.”

K&T Construction and Supply of Dayton began work on the 8,400-square-foot building in May and completed it in August. The project was paid for with state funds, Toennisson said.

The exterior improvements included excavating and replacing the storm water drain system, installing new drain tile and back filling around the building. This work was done as a result of tree root damage, university officials said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219 or dewilson@coxohio.com.