The Fuller Center for Housing of Central Indiana Inc. announced Tuesday that Indianapolis has won its bid to become the “International Host City” of the second annual “Millard Fuller Legacy Build 2010” initiative.

As part of the global home-building event, the Central Indiana Covenant Partner, in cooperation with South East Neighborhood Development, will construct nine new homes and rehabilitate 20 others in a Near Southside Indianapolis neighborhood in just five days on Sept. 6-10, 2010, according to a news release.

Covenant Partners of the Fuller Center for Housing worldwide will be dedicating more than 100 homes as part of the legacy build’s 2010 event.

A press conference was today in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of St. Paul Street, in the Fountain Square area, where the legacy build project will be centered. Mayor Greg Ballard attended.

South East Neighborhood Development is a nonprofit community development corporation created by neighbors to revitalize the area and to enhance the quality of life for its diverse spectrum of residents. Since 1991, South East has invested more than $35 million in development projects in the community.

“Indianapolis’ participation in this event represents an opportunity for churches throughout our community to host an international mission right here at home. The city is to be proud of earning this international designation as part of this project. . . . We will be at the epicenter of what is truly a global initiative,” said City-County Council member Jeff Cardwell.

“The Legacy Build promises to transform a neighborhood and it will lay the foundation for real change,” Ballard said.

Hundreds of volunteers from around the world are expected to participate in the weeklong event honoring The Fuller Center and Habitat for Humanity’s late founder, Millard Fuller, and his vision of eliminating poverty housing worldwide.

In Indianapolis, The Millard Fuller Legacy Build will kick off Sept. 4, at the same time as the Miracle Mile Parade. The parade theme will honor Fuller’s legacy and will be titled “Making Miracles Come True.”

The Sept. 4 activities will also include a Garfield Park “America We Remember” concert followed by fireworks.

On Sept. 5, a reception and kick-off celebration is scheduled for 3 p.m., with the first day of work to follow on Sept. 6.

The initiative will conclude Sept. 10 with dedications of the homes at 3 p.m., followed by a celebration known as the “Passing of the Hammer” to the next host city for the 3rd annual Millard Fuller Legacy Build 2011.