Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Work has already started at the site of the first phase of the DMC Discovery Square project. But the ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled Thursday.

Lt. Gov Tina Smith and others will attend the event, set to begin at 1:00 PM.

Mortenson Construction is behind the $35-million project that calls for a four-story building on the south side of 4th street SW between 2nd and 3rd avenues.

The Bio Science Building will be the first research facility within the Discovery Square district. Mayo Clinic has already agreed to lease about a third of the building. The University of Minnesota-Rochester is also negotiating for space.

It’s expected the building will be ready for occupancy in 2019.

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