(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A first-of-its-kind sports and community center is coming to the North Austin neighborhood.
Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was among dignitaries on hand to break ground on the $31 million project, a professional-level sports center with educational and wellness components to be built on North Laramie.
"The neighborhood will be healthier and safer just by having this incredible facility on this 10-acre campus," said Donnita Travis, executive director of By The Hand Club For Kids.
Heyward said he knew right away he wanted to be involved in the project, which will include a baseball component.
"I got chills just thinking about the fact that they wanted me to be a part of the baseball academy," he said.
Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward attends the ground breaking.Lisa Fielding
The "transformational" development is expected to create 75 permanent jobs and 200 temporary construction jobs.
