SLU plans to build research center

ST. LOUIS -- Trustees at St. Louis University have given the go-ahead for a new $80-million research facility at the university's Health Sciences Center, SLU officials said Tuesday.

The move allows the university to begin site selection and design on the research center, which has been planned for several years.

It will be the largest building project in the university's 185-year history, SLU officials said. President Lawrence Biondi has called the new research center his top priority.

"The new research building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for health sciences research that touches lives and provides service to the community, and it will enhance our ability to recruit and support new research-oriented faculty," Biondi said.

"In addition, this major investment by St. Louis University is another significant step in the rebirth of midtown St. Louis."

The university is considering several sites for the new center. Bonds will be issued to finance construction.

Additional money will be raised as part of the university's $300 million "Where Knowledge Touches Lives" campaign.

Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university with 11,000 students. It is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River.