The Presentation School Foundation (PSF) will celebrate the start of construction for a $3.8 million Allston-Brighton community center tomorrow with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The new community center will open in September following extensive renovations to the former Our Lady of the Presentation School in Brighton. The center will serve the educational and health needs of local children and families, according to a statement.

Elaine Construction of Newton is the general contractor and Silverman, Trykowski Assoc. is the project architect. The new community center will be a certified green building, qualifying for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Sen. Steven Tolman, Reps. Kevin Honan and Michael Moran, and City Councilor Mark Ciommo will join members of the Presentation School Foundation, friends and supporters for the ceremony. The groundbreaking event, which will include a winter carnival for children, is the culmination of a six-year effort to transform the former school building into a multi-service community center and neighborhood resource.

Major financial supporters of the project include the city of Boston ($400,000), the commonwealth of Massachusetts ($1 million in historic tax credits), the New Balance Foundation ($550,000), support from an additional 14 foundations, and sustained support from Allston-Brighton residents and small businesses. Wainwright Bank, MassDevelopment, and the Property and Casualty Initiative provided financing for the project. Boston Community Capital financed PSF’s purchase of the building.

"This is an incredible accomplishment for the Presentation School Foundation," said Menino. "The new community center will create jobs and contribute to the stability of the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. I am glad that the city of Boston was able to contribute to this wonderful foundation."