Purdue's building a new, $35 million equine hospital

"Some of the buildings we're occupying are 100 years old," said Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, "so it's needed, much needed."

Purdue's Board of Trustees discussed the major renovation at its Friday meeting and gave the OK to the project's first phase: a new, 76,600-square-foot equine hospital.

The facility will include space for large-animal surgery; radiology, examination and diagnostic equipment; treatment, medicine and surgery wards; a reproductive systems ward; and an intensive care unit. Paddocks will also be added to an entrance from South Grant Street.

Purdue pledged $30 million for the hospital and the college will raise $5 million from private donations for the project. Construction is scheduled to start September 2018 and be completed May 2020.

The second new hospital will be dedicated to small animals and the third will be for food animals, such as swine and cattle. Reed is hoping Purdue officials will include the small animal hospital as part of its next biennial budget request in 2019.