South End Bio-Lab Could Open Soon

After years of protests and legal challenges, Boston University's seven-story bio-lab in the South End could open soon.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino led neighborhood and civic leaders on a tour through the building Tuesday.

The tour was designed to alleviate safety fears over the bio-lab and regulations of any city in America.

"It's time for us to open the lab," Menino said.

The building was completed in 2008, but only last month won preliminary approval from the state to research less hazardous infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and meningitis.

Boston University hopes to eventually use about 16 percent of the building for research on mostly deadly pathogens, such as Ebola.