By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Civic leaders joined St. Louis University officials to break ground at what will be the largest research building project in the university's history.
The $67 million facility that will rise along Grand Avenue south of U.S. 40 will house laboratories pursuing cures for cancer and liver disease as well as cutting-edge bio-defense work and vaccine development.
St. Louis University president Father Lawrence Biondi says the center promises long-term results.
"The work that will go on here will benefit you, your children, your grandchildren and your grandchildren's children," Biondi said. "Our hope is that we can help make our world a safer and healthier place in the years ahead."
The building is expected to be completed by the spring of 2007.