By: Elizabeth Ryan

The University of Minnesota opened a new Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building on Friday, after over two years of construction.

Located in the Biomedical Discovery District, the 120,000-square-foot building houses the Lillehei Heart Institute and Masonic Cancer Center labs, as well as other research facilities.

President Eric Kaler, vice president for health sciences and Medical School dean Aaron Friedman, and Regent Linda Cohen were among the speakers at the event.

Three of the Big Ten schools have similar programs on cardiovascular research, said Dan Garry, director of the Lillehei Heart Institute.

The building cost upwards of $100 million to build, with funding from the state and University.

After final construction is finished in August, the center will be fully ready for use.