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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A construction project is changing the landscape in the downtown Kirksville area.

The Northeast Missouri Health Council's newest building is quickly taking shape along west Jefferson Street.

Crews from Sparks Construction started work on the site back in early November.

They have made a lot of visible progress since then.

The new building will be home to Northeast Pediatrics and OB/GYN Specialty Group on the first floor.

Northeast Dental will be on the second floor.

The Northeast Missouri Health Council's dental clinic will work hand-in-hand with A.T. Still University's new dental school to be built this year.   

"This is obviously a great training ground. It's a great partnership. We need help in services and personnel, and they need training opportunities, and so, it's a great marriage of the two," said Andy Grimm, Northeast Missouri Health Council CEO.

Grim said the mild weather has been a big help for the contractor.

"It's been a great winter for construction, and I don't remember a better one in the last few years, and so I'd say we're a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. Our contractor's done a great job of keeping things moving, and you know, it's hard to beat weather like we've had," Grimm said.

Grimm said the price tag for the new building is $3.8 million.

It’s being paid for by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The facility is set to be completed this October.

The groundbreaking for ATSU's new dental school, which will be built right next to the dental clinic, is set for March.