Price noted that other on-campus housing projects, like Peabody Terrace, contain daycare centers without problems.

Despite the criticism, supporters of the daycare center are pleased at the progress being made.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm about this," Price said. "The child care center is very excited."

"I think it's great," said Associate Professor of Neurobiology Kathleen M. Buckley '74, whose twin, three-year-old sons attend the center.

"It's a really impressive resource for the Harvard community, and it would be devastating for everybody if it were to close," she said.

Buckley said her children love the staff at the facility.

"For them, it's their family," she said. "They're very happy there."

Officials at the child care center, which opened in 1971, were given notice to leave their 23 Everett St. site by the Law School last March. The center's clients are primarily affiliated with the University; 85 percent are faculty, staff and students.

The money for the new building was raised by Law School Administrative Dean Sandra S. Coleman, Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles, and President Neil L. Rudenstine, and will cover the cost of construction as well as maintenance, Price said