Construction of the Center for Health Sciences at the University of Puget Sound will begin in May. The 42,500-square-foot interdisciplinary center is expected to open in time for the fall 2011 school semester.

Key features of the center include outpatient clinics for the 300 patients referred for occupational and physical therapy services each year by local physicians. A 6,000-square-foot outdoor mobility park will allow patients to be assessed and rehabilitated in spaces fitted with ramps, curbs, stairs and other potential barriers. An indoor simulated apartment will give patients a place to practice the activities of daily living.

In addition to classrooms, offices, and neurology, orthopedic, pediatric, and outpatient clinics, the center will house a motion analysis lab, biochemistry wet lab, observation suite, exercise physiology lab and a social sciences computer lab. The four-level building, which will be on the north side of N. 11 Street, across from Memorial Fieldhouse and between Union and N. Alder avenues, will be built to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, using sustainable materials and adhering to stringent environmental guidelines.

The architects are Bohlin Cywinski Jackson of Seattle. Mortenson Construction of Bellevue has completed pre-construction services. The university is soliciting bids for the construction of the center from selected contractors and expects to name a contractor in April.

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