GARY, Ind. (AP) _ Indiana University Northwest is building a new facility in Gary that will house the school's fine and performing arts programs.

A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was held indoors Thursday for the three-story, 126,300-square-foot facility. The (Munster) Times (http://bit.ly/1GVnzQX ) reports the project is seen as a cornerstone for redevelopment in Gary's University Park neighborhood.

The facility will occupy most of a city block and is slated to open in 2017. It will also have a 500-seat performing arts venue and house Ivy Tech science programs.

Funds for the project were appropriated by the state in 2013.