'New' Old Chem reaches latest milestone
Beam signing, topping ceremony mark the next phase of construction
The final beam was hoisted onto the new Old Chemistry building last week in the topping off ceremony for one of the latest additions to the University of Cincinnati’s uptown west campus.
Students, faculty, staff and crew grabbed Sharpies and signed the final beam, making their marks on history. Upon completion of the building’s interior, the signed beam will remain visible.
Construction crews add signatures to the beam. Photo/Beth Vleaminck
Situated near the center of campus near Langsam Library and the space known as the quad, the 205,000-square-foot structure will house academic and research space for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.
Designed by BHDP architects, the project includes a new structure added to the original 63,000-square-foot building which was constructed in 1917. The earlier structure is being renovated, and preservation portions of the project included moving an historic Rookwood Pottery foundation from the main foyer to a new location.
The final beam is hoisted into place, with the framework of the new addition in the background. Photo/Beth Vleaminck
The final beam was topped with an American flag and evergreen tree as it was raised into position, a sign that a building has reached its final height in construction, and a symbol of good luck for future occupants of the structure.
The project is more than just a renovation; it is a revitalization of a historic landmark to meet the demands of modern education and research, said BHDP in a statement.
Featured image at top: UC students gather to sign the final beam as part of the renovation and new addition to the Old Chemistry building. Photo/Beth Vleaminck.
Related Stories
Parakeet males, females equally likely to fight
September 14, 2026
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and Duke University studied captive monk parakeets and found that sex has little effect on who starts fights, who is targeted or who rises in the dominance hierarchy, as reported in Integrative & Comparative Biology.
UC part of $18 million statewide initiative to expand behavioral health workforce
September 14, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is part of Ohio’s $18 million Behavioral Health Scholarship Program, offering full in-state tuition to eligible social work, mental health counseling and clinical psychology graduate students who commit to serving underserved Ohio communities after graduation.
Could a whale really swallow a person whole?
September 10, 2026
Science News turns to a University of Cincinnati biologist to learn about animals that can swallow people whole as Hollywood gives moviegoers another reason to stay out of the water with the release next month of "Whalefall."