The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire officially broke ground on its new Science and Health Sciences Building on Thursday.

The new building will offer students new classrooms and labs, including a nursing simulation lab, replacing the 61-year-old Phillips Hall as the main science building. The new building will house academic programs ranging from biology and chemistry to public health and environmental studies to astronomy and neuroscience.

Officials expect the final iteration of the new five story building to be about 330,000 square feet when construction is completed in 2027. It will also include a rooftop greenhouse and observatory. The space currently occupied by Phillips Hall will be demolished to create more green space and parking for students.

In addition to the upgrade academic offerings with the new science building, Mayo Clinic Health System will become an integral part of the program. Earlier this year, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved a 30 year lease to create an integrated research workspace for Mayo Clinic Health System in the building.

The agreement comes as Chippewa Valley health care organizations adjust to the departure of Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and all Prevea facilities in the region.

The Mayo Clinic Health System will receive about 10,000 square feet of space for research, instruction and general office space, giving students networking opportunities and a chance to get more hands-on experience. In return, the organization committed nearly $14 million in funding for the construction of the building.

In total, the project is expected to cost over $340 million.