ANN ARBOR - In recent years, the building trades have been involved in the new construction or renovation of numerous medical-related buildings on the University of Michigan campus.

The latest coming out of the ground is the Rachel Upjohn Building - Ambulatory Psychiatry and Depression Center. The $41 million project on the east side of the city will provide space for the nation's first building devoted to research, clinical care, education, and community and public policy programs for depression and related disorders, as well as other ambulatory psychiatry specialty services.

"I envision the building to be what I call the 'antithesis of depression,'" said Dr. John Greden, Rachel Upjohn Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. "If you're addressing a problem with some remaining stigma, you should have a facility that sends the right signals, so we intend the center to be light, airy, warm and inviting. The Rachel Upjohn Building represents a significant milestone toward achieving the goals we set when we first envisioned the center just a few years ago."

The building process, which is expected to be complete next year. The building will connect with the East Ann Arbor Health Center.

Construction of the three-story, 112,500-square-foot building was made possible by a $10 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Meader of Kalamazoo. The gift prompted the U-M Board of Regents to name the building in honor of Mrs. Meader, whose maiden name is Rachel Mary Upjohn.

The new clinical facility will create a warm, bright atmosphere through its use of natural light, open space and an easy-to-navigate layout. The building plans include an auditorium for use by patients, visitors, faculty, staff, and community organizations, as well as a patient education center.

(Information from the U-M)

A BULL FLOAT held by Julian Lewis of Cement Masons Local 514 smooths a wall platform during foundation work at the Rachel Upjohn Building - Ambulatory Psychiatry and Depression Center.

INSTALLING A SIX-INCH storm drain at the Rachel Upjohn building are Mike Frost and Scott Linn of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 190. At the controls of the backhoe is Greg Sinclair of Operating Engineers Local 324.