St. Joseph's Catholic School in Macon broke ground Thursday morning on their new parish life center.
Plans for the project began almost 10 years ago. The school raised $3.5 million for the building that will house classrooms, a basketball court and recreation areas.
They plan to use the space for school and church functions including receptions, dinners and sport activities.
Father Allan McDonald says the building symbolizes stability for the school and the Macon Catholic community.
He says, "and that we plan to stay downtown. I think this is the greatest sign that this should give to the community that downtown Macon is viable, it's safe. It's a wonderful place to live, to have children, to educate them, and to go to church."
The school began almost 140 years ago in the basement of the church.