Atchison ? A northeast Kansas college plans to open a new academic center in the fall of 2011.

Benedictine College says the new $18 million building will house some programs currently housed in a 135-year-old building.

The new four-story structure will house the business, education, philosophy and theology departments.

It also will include a conference center, academic offices and a coffee shop.

Dianna Henderson, co-chairwoman of the education department, says the new building will include all the new technology needed for modern academics.

The St. Joseph News-Press reported that groundbreaking was scheduled for Friday, even though fundraisers have raised only $13.6 million toward the project.