While the new Hmong Community and Cultural Center isn't much to look at now, organizers hope that soon the community will have a place of their own.

The Hmong Mutual Association has purchased a building and wants to convert it into a multipurpose gathering place for the Hmong and the community at large.

The Hmong community has committed to the $725,000 purchase price of the building.

The entire project is expected to cost $2.4 million.

The goal now is to raise $650,000 in cash and $675,000 in donations for labor, materials and volunteers.

If successful, construction would start in September.

The building will include a memorial hall, a general purpose room, a community center and a wellness center.