Years in the making: St. Ann Center breaks ground on Milwaukee's north side

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was years in the making, but now crowds of people are celebrating a new beginning for Milwaukee's north side.

"They said this would be built when it's a cold day in Milwaukee and it is a cold day in Milwaukee and this will be built," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

Officials broke ground to the new St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care Bucyrus Campus on 24th and North Avenue.

St. Ann provides community based care for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

"I think that this is the most exciting, transformational, community project in the city ever," said Capital Campaign Chair Tim Sullivan.

Construction has already begun on the facility which will feature playground equipment for people of all abilities and ages, a therapy pool, and a bandshell.

The $21 million project will serve 460 people within the community on a daily basis.

"We're going to do this in two phases instead of just one phase. Phase 1 is about $17.5 million it's started as you can see, phase 2 will start as soon as we get the additional funds," said Sullivan.

It will also have a significant economic impact to the area.

"It will bring about $4 million right away into the community. It will provide over 200 jobs," said St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care President Sister Edna Lonergan.

St. Ann officials are hoping to have phase one of the project complete by september 2015.

If you are interested in donating to the St. Ann center or learning more about the organization, CLICK HERE.