Harold LeMay Museum officials held a groundbreaking ceremony June 10 to mark the beginning of construction on their new $58 million facility. When completed, the museum will showcase the collection of the late Harold E. LeMay, billed as the largest collection of classic and vintage automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles in the world.

The event was preceded by a parade of collector cars from Marymount and Club Auto Kirkland to the museum’s future site near the Tacoma Dome. Following the ceremony, the public was invited to Club Auto Tacoma in Fife for a party with a live band, beverages and snacks. Attendees included Nancy LeMay, Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, and Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire.

After nearly a decade in development, this significant milestone was reached when the Board of Directors unanimously voted to commence construction. “This is an enormous step forward in our efforts to establish [the museum],” said David Madeira, the museum’s president and chief executive officer. “Building this contemporary home for our institution will act as a centering point for like-minded enthusiasts.”

“To achieve this important milestone in the current economic environment is a tribute to the creativity and dedication of all those who have tirelessly worked to see the LeMay vision become a reality,” added Michael Phillips, chairman of the museum’s board of directors.

With the beginning of construction under way, museum officials said they will now concentrate on a “Race to the Finish” campaign, which will focus on exhibit and educational program development in preparation for the museum’s grand opening in summer 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.lemaymuseum.org .