NEBRASKA CITY - Construction of the new multi-purpose space at Lourdes Central Catholic School began Tuesday as the school along with Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the achievement.

The ribbon was officially cut by Father Jonathan Haschke.

Construction crews spent the day tearing out the old stage that sat at the south end of the gym.

A few members of the construction crew were still busy at work while the ceremony was going on behind a large tarp. 

The project will include an on-site kitchen as well as more space for cafeteria tables for students.

The change will allow students to eat lunch at Lourdes now instead of having to walk to eat at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. 

Additional electrical, plumbing and safety modifications will be made to the old gym to turn it into a multi-use space. 

Construction is set to be completed in later in the fall.