'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
UC-built detector at CERN looks for enticing evidence to explain dark matter
August 4, 2026
A physicist from the University of Cincinnati and his research partners from around the world conducted an experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland to look for evidence that might help explain one of science’s most baffling questions: dark matter.
2026 Cincinnati Business Courier's '40 Under 40' includes nine UC alumni
August 3, 2026
Nine remarkable University of Cincinnati alumni have been named by the Cincinnati Business Courier to its annual “40 Under 40” Class for 2026.
Summer grads ready for life’s next chapter
August 3, 2026
The University of Cincinnati will honor 2,125 summer 2026 graduates in two ceremonies at Fifth Third Arena, highlighting record enrollment, co-op success and global student stories.