Chemistry Building Rededicated

Renovation of the Chemistry Building began In May 2004. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The exterior of the building, stairwells and the main hallways remain the same. All interior and exterior doors were reused when possible. All the lights in the hallways are original with the exception of the basement. The brick walls retain the metal trim and the floors are unchanged.

Marble was recycled for the counter in the administrative suite. All clock facings are original. A table in the chair’s office was made from recycled wood from a biochemistry lab bench.

The building is now handicapped accessible with access to all floors. The elevator, which used to be for freight only, is new and features a cork floor. New energy efficient windows were installed. Automatic fire doors were added to all the stairwells and a sprinkler system was added throughout. Central heat and air systems were added. New furniture was purchased for the entire building.

There is now kitchen and breakroom space in several locations. Bathrooms for both sexes are available on all floors. Staff offices are combined in an administrative suite, complete with new mailroom.

Most of the third floor was renovated for state-of-the-art laboratory space.

To the south of the building a Dewar tank was installed to supply nitrogen to both the Chemistry Building and the Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Building. Modern technology was added to the new auditoriums and classrooms and the building is now equipped with up-to-date wiring. There are no more exposed pipes in the hallways.

Today the building serves as an example for contemporary restoration of historic architecture.

The department celebrated the renovated Chemistry Building with a ceremony, open house and fish fry Saturday, June 2, 2007.