Construction got underway Thursday in Hunts Point for a massive educational and cultural center with ties to a Bronx charity.

The organization Casita Maria, along with the Department of Education, broke ground on a 90,000-square-foot building at 928 Simpson St. The structure will be the new home of The Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists at Casita Maria. An old building on the site will be demolished within a week. Construction is expected to be completed in 2009.

Supporters say the move will allow students to enjoy state-of-the-art, multipurpose facilities like laboratories and dance studios. Officials believe the project, which was funded with private and public money, will usher in an era of opportunity for south Bronx children.