BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Western Washington University’s vision for a future health sciences college just took a major step forward.

The university announced in a joint statement with PeaceHealth that they’ve reached a purchase-and-sale agreement for the former St. Luke’s property in Bellingham.

My Bellingham Now previously reported on the site’s initial market listing of $18 million earlier this year by PeaceHealth.

According to the agreement, which was formally reached Friday, the Foundation for WWU and Alumni approved a $12.5 million grant to purchase the former hospital.

The Chestnut Professional Building and the E Maple Street Apartment Complex are also included in the sale agreement.

WWU president Sabah Randhawa says that beyond classroom and lab work, the property will also feature clinical opportunities for students to connect with the broader community. Randhawa had said in his state of the university address at the start of the school year they planned to open a College of Health Sciences in the future.

Aside from the grant money, PeaceHealth will also get 2.5 acres of WWU’s Lincoln Street park-and-ride property for future transportation needs.