A 16-year capital campaign to build a new sanctuary and social hall for Congregation Beth Shalom came to fruition Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony.

The conservative Jewish congregation, which has served the community for 35 years, will begin grading its property and adjoining parking area on Centre Pointe Parkway this month.

During this time, the concrete slab will be poured in preparation for construction of a 2,515-square-foot addition, which will serve as the congregation’s new sanctuary.

The current sanctuary will be converted for use as a social hall, and the room that has served as both a meeting and social room will be reconfigured for additional classroom space for the religious school. Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 2012.

On Friday, the congregation’s board of trustees and major contributors celebrated with Rabbi Howard Siegel during a special groundbreaking ceremony.