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Construction is scheduled to start later this summer on the Oregon Zoo’s new conservation education center.

The zoo will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 1 to celebrate the start of construction on the $10.1 million project to build a 19,000-square-foot education center. The building will house classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, community meeting space, an insect zoo and an interactive conservation lab where visitors can learn how zoo scientists care for endangered animals. Plans also call for a new plaza, outdoor café, learning garden and nature playground.

Fortis Construction Inc.will serve as the project’s general contractor. The Portland-based firm is seeking subcontractors and will host on Thursday an open house for companies interested in bidding on the project. The open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Vista Room at the Oregon Zoo, 4001 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland.

The education center was designed by Portland-based Opsis Architecture in collaboration with Seattle-based Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects.