After nearly 18 months of construction, Lancaster Bible College will open the doors to its new Student Learning Commons on Tuesday.

The building is situated in what will be the future center of campus as LBC continues expanding northward.

A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. The event is open to the public.

"The Student Learning Commons is a tremendous gift to our community and a resource for all who seek to study God and discover a deeper knowledge of his truths," college President Peter W. Teague said.

The total construction cost of the SLC is $12 million. A $10 million capital campaign to fund the construction began in the fall of 2010.

"So far, the college has raised $8.6 million toward the overall goal," Philip Dearborn, vice president of academic affairs, said.

"We hope to have raised the $10 million by October 6, which is our Homecoming Day," he said. "The remaining $2 million will come from additional fundraising."

The building incorporates five levels built within a traditional three-story building design.

The 43,000-square-foot facility will enable LBC to significantly expand programs and services.

"With the addition of the Student Learning Commons, we are taking a huge step toward our commitment to create godly, lifelong learners and meeting the needs of our growing student population," Teague said.

The building is fitted with three new classroom spaces, 11 collaborative study spaces, a library with more than 300,000 items, a music media lab, a writing center and disability services.

The new structure utilizes environmentally sustainable features such as use of daylight, high-efficiency lighting and geothermal heating and cooling . Another feature of the student commons is the Bennee's Bistro, which offers food and beverages, outdoor patio seating and a hospitality suite available to outside groups.

ebetancourt@lnpnews.com