Groundbreaking ceremony held at San Jacinto Plaza.

City officials held a groundbreaking ceremony at San Jacinto Plaza.

It’s the beginning of a yearlong beautification process.

Wednesday afternoon crews were using hydraulic jacks to break concrete at the plaza.

The benches have been removed and the lights are coming down.

City officials broke ground to officially kick off the project expected to be finished early in 2015.

Officials say the plaza will undergo a transformation loyal to its history.

The plans include restoration of the Lagartos monument, which will now be covered with a shade.

There will be a splash pad for people to cool down the summer months and an area for people to play Huachas and checkers.

“This is a park that we share through our entire community, this is where we spend Fourth of July together, this is where we spend Christmas together, this is where we celebrate our community, it’s been the heart of downtown for ages,” said District 8 City Rep. Cortney Niland.

The total cost of the project is $6 million.

Of the total, $3 million came from the quality of life bonds voters approved in 2012, $2 million came from certificates of obligation and $1 million came from the Downtown Tax Reinvestment Zone.