A groundbreaking ceremony kicked off renovation and other construction projects for Mosaic Life Care in downtown St. Joseph Friday.

The ceremony was held at the German-American Bank Building located at 624 Felix St. Besides the renovation there, three other properties are a part of the downtown development: a building adjacent to the German-American Bank Building currently with storefronts identified as 620 and 618 Felix St., as well as parking lot areas on the northeast and southwest corners of Seventh and Edmond streets.

According to Mosaic Life Care, the German-American Bank Building was constructed in 1889 and is on the National Historic Register. Renovation of the building and parking areas to accommodate up to 200 caregivers, is expected to take approximately two years, and will embrace and protect the architectural and historic features of the building, while adding modern amenities inside. When complete, the development project investment could equal up to $20 million.