DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A nonpartisan public policy research institute has announced plans for an $8 million expansion of Drake University in Des Moines to create more space for public events. The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement has outgrown its current offices, which house six full-time employees, 15 undergraduate student workers and five research fellows, institute officials said. It will build a new two-story, 16,000-square-foot building on campus, The Des Moines Register reported. “The Institute’s new home on the Drake campus will enhance our ability to conduct a robust research agenda and to expand our engagement with Drake community members, Iowans, and individuals throughout the country and the world,” Marsha Ternus, chair of the Harkin Institute National Advisory Council, said in a news release.

The institute has already raised $6.6 million in private donations for the project. Construction is expected to start this year, according to the release. Retired U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin established the institute in 2013 to conduct public policy research and analyze issues including labor and employment, disabilities, retirement security and nutrition. The expansion is part of several developments planned along University Avenue. The university announced a long-term redevelopment plan near campus in October 2016 with the sale of 2.7 acres of university-owned land to a private developer. Hilton Hotels & Resorts plans to build a five-story, 86,300-square-foot hotel in the area, which will also feature retail and restaurant space. Real estate developer Nelson Construction & Development is building a 110-unit apartment building next to the hotel.