"Finally we are able to purchase this place:" The Salvation Army breaks ground on new location



GREENFIELD -- The Salvation Army is hoping to reach more people in the Hispanic community. The organization ground on a new church and community center Wednesday morning, July 29th.

The Salvation Army breaks ground on new location in Greenfield



It's a moment ten years in the making.

"We have been in temporary spots," said Major Dan Jennings. "Finally we are able to purchase this place."

The location at S. 27th and Cold Spring Road is the new Cold Spring Church and Community Center.

"We're looking forward to it coming up over the next year," said Jennings.

The Salvation Army is temporarily operating out of an older building next door. But it is more costly to fix it than tear it down and rebuild.

"There is not a sprinkler system in here, but there is not adequate water line to bring in. There is no AC in this building, but there is not adequate electric to install it," said Tracy Habermehl with the Salvation Army.

The new space will house more after-school programs, have a larger chapel and allow for a food pantry.

"We actually had to send people to another Salvation Army location to receive that type of service," said Major Jennings.

The Salvation Army breaks ground on new location in Greenfield



Once the main building is built, the Salvation Army says there is plenty of space to expand. They hope to put in more classrooms and possibly a gym. The new building will be 9,100 square feet.

"People, whatever they need, this is going to be the place for them," said Greenfield Alderwoman Linda Lubotsky.

It should open in February 2016.

The total cost of the project is around $3 million. It is paid for by grant money and the Salvation Army's Capital Improvement fund.