Chemistry Building Renovation Complete

In April of 2023, CBC celebrated the opening of the renovated Chemistry Building and a newly constructed building called The Commons. 

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends took the opportunity to tour the new facilities as soon as construction was complete. The opening ceremony featured presentations from University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Liesl Folks, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Learning Gail Burd, and Department Head Craig Aspinwall.

“In a way,” Provost Folks said, “this project is meant to respect the past and embrace the future.”

The construction paid homage to the past by largely keeping the historic Old Chem exterior. The interior is now home to state-of-the-art collaborative learning spaces.

“This exciting space provides key enhancements to all areas of our mission,” Department Head Craig Aspinwall said, “and honors the past while boldly shaping the future.”

The combined 78,600-square-foot facilities are home to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and research support units such as the NMR Facility, Machine and Electronics Shops. The building also accommodates research groups dedicated to harnessing solar energy, understating biomolecular mechanisms, and improving student reasoning strategies for meaningful learning.

Accessibility was critical in the design process and construction. Visitors entering from the Mall are met with an accessible entry atrium on the ground level, and there are 3 new elevators around the building. 

If you haven't had an opportunity to visit, please contact the department at CBC-FrontOffice@list.arizona.edu.

You can read more about the accessibility features and other details in this UA News story.

You can also read the booklet created for the opening ceremony.