The University of Cincinnati has completed a two-year, $190 million renovation and expansion of one of the oldest facilities on its campus--the Old Chemistry building.
The university says the 108-year-old Old Chemistry now features some of the university's most cutting-edge laboratories, the latest energy efficiencies and modern conservation measures.
"Through two years of construction and 1,300 crew members working 665,000 hours, we have transformed this facility into a modern, accessible, inspiring space for teaching, discovery and community connections,” Provost John Weidner said.
The facility now totals 207,000 square feet and serves three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, according to BHDP, the architect of record for the project.
Old Chem has taught generations of students in physics, chemistry and other sciences since it opened in 1917.
The updated facility will provide easier access for students navigating campus — along with interdisciplinary lab spaces for students, University Architect Monika Watkins said.
The energy-efficient building includes bird-safe glass. The patterned windows prevent needless bird strikes like those that kill an estimated 2 billion birds each year in the United States.
Old Chem also has a rooftop pollinator garden and public displays of chemistry laboratory artifacts from the Department of Chemistry’s Oesper Museum, including signed photos of Marie Curie that the Nobel laureate dedicated to University of Cincinnati students.
