The city of Sturgis, South Dakota and Harley-Davidson are breaking ground on a new downtown plaza named after the motorcycle company, the result of a private-public partnership that also renames a city street after the company.

Officials from the city and motorcycle company broke ground on the new Harley-Davidson Rally Point Wednesday.

The plaza will cover more than 11,000 square feet and is meant to serve as a hub for riders during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and a gathering place for the public during the rest of the year.

Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen says the plaza solidifies Harley's presence in the city.

Harley plans to have the plaza complete by this year's rally, which is the 75th anniversary and is expected to attract more than 1 million people.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

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