The new home for the doctor of physical therapy and nursing programs now has a name – The Health Sciences Complex.

WKU celebrated the beginning of construction for the building with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, where the name of the facility was revealed.

The 73,471 square-foot, $18.4 million complex is being constructed by the Commonwealth Health Corporation, which operates The Medical Center in Bowling Green. WKU will lease the complex from The Medical Center for the next 25 years.

WKU will use the majority of the new complex. Located on 700 First Ave. on The Medical Center’s campus, the new building will include a 200 seat auditorium, 80 person computer lab, observation rooms and other features that will benefit the physical therapy and nursing programs. Some of the building will also be used for the training of The Medical Center staff.

John Bonaguro, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said that the new building will satisfy one of the nursing programs biggest needs – more space.

“We’ve been turning away qualified students, now we’ll practically be able to accept all qualified students,” Bonaguro said.

Thanks to the new building, the program will be able to grow in size from 80 to 160, with the possibility of continued growth, Bonaguro said.