Construction on the Molecular and Cellular Biology Building on Washington Avenue is on schedule and within budget, said Eric Kruse, vice president for University services.

State-of-the-art instruction and computer labs, classrooms and office space for more than 300 people will be featured in the new $70 million building.

“The project is scheduled to be substantially complete at the end of April,” Kruse said.

The Board of Regents approved the schematic design for the building in 1999, replacing Owre Hall, Millard Hall and Lyon Lab.

“They simply could not support the research needs of the Academic Health Center,” Kruse said.

The University chose Perkins and Will Architects to design, and M.A. Mortenson of Minneapolis to construct, the building.

While all seven levels of the Molecular and Cellular Biology Building structure are complete, some construction still remains.

Facilities Management officials said they are currently installing windows, light fixtures, interior drywall and electrical systems.

Landscaping will complement the front of the building, which faces Washington Avenue.

“It will be a very nice feature having some trees, grass and benches out there,” Kruse said.

University officials said the Molecular and Cellular Biology Building will improve both educational opportunities for students and research facilities for faculty members.

Officials plan to create an Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology, consisting of the Academic Health Center, College of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Medical School.

“It’s designed to relocate all of the people whose interests are molecular and cellular biology in one physical spot to promote more physical interaction between them,” said Eric Hendrickson, professor of biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics.

Brad Ellingson covers construction and facilities and welcomes comments at [email protected]