The $7-million project will get no city assistance, according to Kimberly Cook of the Department of Planning and Development. In addition to a $1.5-million construction loan from Associated Bank, Breakthrough Urban Ministries plans to raise the rest of the money in capital campaign. "Breakthrough has had great success in the past with their capital fund-raising," Cook says.

The organization provides homeless shelters and outreach programs on the North and West sides. It started in the Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods offering coffee and lunches out of a storefront. It still operates a men's service center in Uptown, but has its women's, youth and family services programs at 3330 W. Carroll St.

Before construction begins in 2008, the site will be rezoned from M1-2 to B2-3, Cook says. The design of the one-story glass and metal building is "a sign of change and optimism in the community," she adds. The 10,000-sf fitness center could host community events in addition to basketball games.