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Construction kicked off at The Madeleine Choir School on Thursday after parents and school leaders broke ground for a $5 million renovation.

Plans for the school's Jacquelyn M. Erbin Hall include seismic and electrical updates, additional classroom and rehearsal space and a new science laboratory, according to Matt Kitterer, director of advancement for the school.

The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2016-2017 school year.

"We're looking forward to our ribbon cutting approximately one year from now," Kitterer said.

The Madeleine Choir School, located in Salt Lake City's Avenues neighborhood, enrolls roughly 400 students in pre-kindergarten classes through eighth grade.

Kitterer said enrollment is expected to grow to 500 students by 2018, completing an eight-year effort to double the student population.

The choir school was established in 1996 in what was formerly the Rowland Hall School for Girls.

"The actual oldest building on the campus dates back to 1867," Kitterer said.