It's a sight 20 years in the making -- finally, the ground-breaking of a community center in South Lansing.

"It's about time for it to be here," says Jimmie Currin, a Lansing resident for the past 75 years. "'Cause they've been fighting for it for a good many years."

Since the 1980s, in fact. That's how long Currin and residents of South Lansing have been lobbying for a community space -- their efforts continually hampered by a common problem these days: lack of funds.

But city officials say they now have the perfect site: The Hill Center vocational school, already equipped with a community center's needs.

"We're able to get an auditorium, a pool, and actually use one building for two uses," said state Rep. Joan Bauer (D-Lansing).

The basic idea is to convert part of Hill Center into the community center. Officials say it'll take just three months to complete the project. The price tag? $2.3 million.

In many respects, this couldn't come at a better time," said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. "You've got more people staying at home. It is a tough economy, and this will cost Lansing residents nothing."

In fact, some programs at the center are already under way -- evidenced by the horde of children who sat in for Wednesday's ceremony -- a sight that Jimmie Currin couldn't be happier to see.

"Well I think it's for the kids to get to, and things like that. Try to get back off of the streets, ya know, instead of 'em walking around."

Well worth the wait, in other words.