Construction is underway on a new, $295-million building that will expand lab and classroom space for OHSU, Oregon State and Portland State Universities. The collaborative Life Sciences building is going up just north of OHSU's Center for Health and Healing at south Waterfront and south of the Ross Island Bridge.

OHSU Provost Jennie Mladenovic says two floors will be devoted to simulation labs.

Portland State students are scheduled to begin using the space in winter, 2014.

The project first took shape in 2008 after the Schnitzer family donated the land and OHSU received an anonymous $40-million donation.

Street car and light rail lines will run right by the building; Tri-Met putting $10-million toward the project.