The first stage of development at the Essex County Ground was completed yesterday.
A ceremony was held at the top of the first block of residential flats, where the final pour of concrete on the site was into a ceremonial slab, with work now continuing on the interior of the building.
A small pine tree was left at the top and Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford Sandra Pontin poured a bottle of beer over the topping out slab.
Nick Bache, director of construction firm Kier, conducted a speech at the ceremony and a reception was held afterwards.
Also in attendance were Essex chief executive Derek Bowden and current players including Graham Napier, David Masters and Matt Salisbury.
Bowden said: “This is an important moment in the recent history of the club.
“We want to have a top-class Category C ground, and the completion of phase one is a key part of that process.
“The next stage will include a completed pavilion, which will be a fantastic facility for players, staff and members.
“This step in the development will not start until autumn 2015, as we have committed to our fixtures here at the Essex County Ground.
“Ideally we would not relocate away from Chelmsford at any point during the development programme.”