TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Civic and government leaders in Topeka have broken ground on a revitalization project they hope brings new activity to the core of the capital city.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that a ceremony was held Monday morning to start the project along Kansas Avenue east of the Statehouse.

City leaders have spent the past five years developing the $5.8 million project. Elements include wider sidewalks, streetscapes and updated utilities.

Construction will start on the northbound lanes of Kansas Avenue. The work is to be completed by October 2015.

Numerous private-sector projects are planned along the corridor that will be financed by private donations.