Groundbreaking held for Milwaukee County's new health and human services center

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, Oct. 2 for Milwaukee County's new health and human services center. 

It will be named after the late Marcia P. Coggs, the first African American woman elected to the state Assembly and matriarch of one of Milwaukee's leading political families. 

County Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones delivered an emotional tribute to her grandmother, and other members of the Coggs family spoke as well. 

The new Marcia P. Coggs Center will be Milwaukee County's first building designed specifically to deliver health and human services. 

Located a short distance from downtown at 13th and Cherry, it will improve access for people and families who need those services, and once they get there, developers promise a "warm and welcoming" environment.

"Our goal here at the Department of Health and Human Services is to deliver person-centered care," said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, executive director, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. 

Right now, officials expect the new Marcia Coggs Center to open sometime in early 2025.