Two projects tied to housing are going up along a Midway area stretch of University Avenue in St. Paul that fronts the Central Corridor light-rail line slated to open next year.

On Wednesday, ground was broken for a $45 million senior housing complex to be built by Episcopal Homes. The complex, dubbed Midway Village, will include market-rate apartments, affordable apartments and a long-term care facility — 173 apartments in all.

The seven-story structure, which is going up on the old Porky's drive-in site, will complete the Episcopal Homes campus at University and Fairview avenues. It's being financed with private and public funds and will be finished in fall 2014.

This Thursday, Habitat for Humanity will break ground for its new $9.5 million Twin Cities headquarters, to open early next year at the corner of University and Prior avenues. The three-story structure will house offices and meeting and training rooms, and is being financed with private funds and tax credits.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE

@KDuchschere