TAMPA - Construction of a new University of Tampa Student Health Center and an academic building will begin next month, with both two-story projects scheduled for completion in time for the fall semester.

The health center will replace one housed in a remodeled office acquired by the university in 1997, when enrollment was 2,800, said university spokesman Eric Cardenas. Today, with 6,300 students, 1,000 patients visit the health center monthly during the academic year, he said.

At 10,300 square feet, the new medical facility will dwarf the existing one of 1,800 square feet. It will have eight examination rooms, a triage area, a pharmacy, a waiting area, holding rooms, staff offices and space for counseling individuals and groups.

The project is funded partly by a gift from Stephen and Marsha Dickey, Cardenas said. A UT board member, Stephen Dickey is CEO/president of eight Doctor's Walk-In Clinic locations in the Tampa area.

The existing center, at 111 N. Brevard Ave., will be demolished to make room for its replacement. The health center's staff has moved into a modular facility on the university's newly acquired property on Kennedy Boulevard and will work from there until the new facility opens in September.

"The new facility will allow our staff to provide health services more efficiently and effectively and will enhance students' overall experience at UT," said Bob Ruday, dean of students. "We'll be able to see more patients, and they'll have more privacy."

The other project, an 8,000-square-foot building on a vacant site near the Cass Building, is the initial phase of a broader plan to expand academic facilities, according to university President Ronald L. Vaughn.

"This new facility will enhance the University of Tampa's strong presence in biology and chemistry and certain pre-professional programs, and will serve as the foundation for future possible construction," Vaughn said in a prepared statement announcing the projects.

The academic building, scheduled to open in August, will provide state-of-the-art chemistry and biology laboratories, faculty offices and a 35-seat classroom. The classroom is designed for future conversion to a 20-station instructional lab.

University Provost Janet McNew said this addition to the Cass science complex will provide quality laboratory classroom and research space, "needed for our fast-growing programs in the College of Natural and Health Sciences."

Both buildings will feature a design, appearance and style consistent with others on campus. The university will pursue certification for both through the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

Project costs have not been released.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 259-7124