Since 2008, Cinco Charities has provided temporary housing for individuals who are receiving treatment for a serious medical condition, as well as the patients' families, connecting them with hotels or extended stay facilities during treatment in Katy's hospitals. That generosity will take a permanent home with The Ballard House.

Officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Thursday for the 20,000-square-foot facility, which will be located on a 3-acre site in Cinco Ranch, a master-planned community in Katy.

The Ballard House is named for Monty and Erin Ballard, who have supported the organization by loaning out a rental property to patients and by forming a foundation to raise the funds to complete a hospitality house.

It will feature a design by PBK Architects, influenced by Texas Hill Country style, with 24 guest suites — all complete with full baths and kitchenettes — plus a chapel, family room, game room, board room, community kitchen, dining room, laundry facilities and a serenity garden.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, with completion slated for November 2013.