Researchers have moved in, set up their laboratories and begun work at the new Edward A. Doisy Research Center on Saint Louis University’s Medical School campus.

After almost two-and-a-half-years of construction, the center is up and fully operating-Fleur de Lis marquee and all. With its finishing touches, the center should be ready for its grand opening ceremony, which will take place at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7.

For many of the researchers, such a move was a “once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said Tom Keefe, vice president for university advancement, who is in charge of orchestrating the center’s opening. The relocation of their experiments and equipment meant that some researchers were “filled with trepidation” by the change at first, he said.

“There’s always a disruption when one moves,” said Keefe, but his impression was that the move-in went well.

“Some of the building is yet to be finished . [in part because] one of our subcontractors went bankrupt,” Keefe said.

Keefe said final work on the exterior of the building, including installation of some missing siding, should be completed before the grand opening of the building. Landscaping outside of the building should be finished by Tuesday, Dec. 4.

“It has taken longer than we wanted . but we’re very pleased with what we’ve been able to accomplish,” he said.

The dedication, open to all members of the University community, will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house.

“The ceremony will be brief because it is December . the sun sets at 4:38, [ so it may get colder,] and we want to be respectful of our elder donors who are attending,” Keefe said.

After the dedication ceremony, attendants will be able to tour the center and view many of its anticipated attractions. The tours will include stops at the conference and reception rooms, a patio on the roof that offers “an impressive vista” and the front lobby, where a memorial plaque for Edward A. Doisy himself will be displayed.

Outside of the center, landscapers have added reflection pools and gardens, paid for by a grant. A covered walkway leads from the center’s door to the medical school south campus quad.