LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Construction is set to begin soon on a new four-story academic building on the University of Louisville's main campus.

The university said Monday that the 150,000-square-foot building is expected to open for the fall 2018 semester. The $80 million building will primarily serve undergraduate students. It will house 17 classrooms along with science labs, group study areas, gathering spaces and food service.

The school's acting president, Neville Pinto, says the building will ease the lack of classroom space for undergraduate students.

The Kentucky General Assembly approved funding for the building in 2014.

The new building will be built on the site where Crawford Gym once stood. Crawford once served as the practice facility for the school's basketball and swimming programs.