Northwestern has begun renovation of its health services building, the university announced Tuesday.

Among the planned changes to Searle Hall are nearly 30,000 square feet of added space and new areas to separate clinical services from faculty and staff offices. “The layout, including the reception/waiting area, will be designed to protect patients’ privacy,” the university said in a statement.

The addition to the building is expected to be ready by 2009; renovation of the existing building is slated to be finished by 2010.