New London — Mitchell College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday as it starts reconstruction of the iconic Red Barn at 629 Montauk Ave.

The college is tearing down and re-creating the 4,800-square-foot structure, which historically marks the spot of Michael's Dairy, into a large flexible space that can be transformed into a black box theater, classroom, banquet facility, student activity space and event space for community use. The college has raised close to $1 million for the project, which is part of a campus master plan.

The barn will be taken down and all possible elements preserved beginning on Oct. 30. The new barn is expected to be completed by spring.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be led by Mitchell College President Janet Steinmayer, with board of trustees Chairman Kevin Hennessy, Student Government Association President Kevin Coleman, state Rep. Chris Soto and Mayor Michael Passero as featured speakers.