The University of Miami has started construction of a new student services building. The three-story, 30,000 sq. ft. structure is designed to “transform how students access vital campus services,” according to a university statement.

The university has partnered with CIVICA Architecture to design the building, and the total project is estimated to cost $15 million.

The building will be located near the Mahoney-Pearson dining hall behind the Lowe Art Museum. It will bring together several campus services that students use regularly throughout the semester.

Although final plans are still being developed, the three-story building will be home to a new “one-stop” center for student-facing service departments, the Camner Center for Academic Resources and the Counseling Center.

Additionally, the current Counseling Center building will be demolished to make room for an improved entryway to the new Student Housing Village and Pavia Parking Garage.

By including various technical and passive design elements aimed at addressing the climatic challenges of buildings in South Florida’s tropical environment, the project is expected to obtain LEED Silver certification.

Construction is expected to begin in May.