The preliminary construction estimate for the building is $96 million, with the pre-development phase costing $3.7 million.

The project’s design and the operating agreement with the developer will be presented to the board at a later meeting, but a few additional details were provided Wednesday.

Plans call for a single building of 360,000 square feet to be built at the north end of the block and enclosing a courtyard at the south end.

The center will include traditional rooms and semi-suites grouped in neighborhoods, a two-story lobby and gathering area with views of the courtyard. The ground floor will contain administrative offices and retail space.

The buildings to be demolished date to about 1980. The newer Gladding III building will be retained, as will the preserved limestone facade of the original Branch Public Baths, which serves as the central entrance to the complex.

Richard Bunce, interim vice president for finance and budget, said the arrangement with the private developer will allow the project to proceed more quickly and save the university’s debt capacity for other projects.