UC unveils renovated chemistry building

News media highlighted the reopening of Old Chemistry, an academic research building at the University of Cincinnati that benefited from $190 million in renovations.

With groundbreaking dating back to 1914, Old Chem is one of UC's oldest buildings, but today it has some of the university's most cutting-edge laboratories serving three colleges in subjects such as nursing, chemistry, engineering and biology.

UC officials led by President Neville Pinto this week cut the ribbon on the building, which features a multistory atrium with lots of study spaces for students.

Chemistry Department Head George Stan told Local 12 that faculty were thrilled to move into the new spaces.

“We are very excited to instruct our undergraduate students in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. These are next door to our research labs so it makes for an excellent vision of collaboration,“ Stan told Local 12.

WCPO highlighted ways that UC preserved Old Chem's history during reconstruction. Workers at Skanska USA such as ceramicist Tony Kalti dismantled a century-old Rookwood fountain to reinstall in the renovated building.

UC Senior Librarian Ted Baldwin told WCPO that preserving the fountain was a priority. The custom fountain tells the story of chemistry history through the ages with pictures, symbols and references to historical figures and discoveries.

“This could not be lost,“ Baldwin told WCPO.

Baldwin co-authored a new book on UC's art collection that features a chapter on UC's three Rookwood fountains and vases. He told WCPO that building designers echoed some of the fountain's chevron patterns in its etched windows. 

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported that Ohio bonded $70 million for the project. The Courier noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of UC's Department of Chemistry.

Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague helped UC celebrate the reopening of its newest academic research building.

Spectrum News highlighted some of its conservation measures, including its stenciled glass designed to prevent bird strikes. And it has a rooftop pollinator garden.

UC Architect Monika Watkins told Spectrum News that the building provides collaborative spaces for students.

“And it also changes the way students experience the building and connect with what’s inside, outside and around it. We have a campus that’s hilly with a lot of challenging slopes. But we continue to improve accessibility for everyone,” she said.

Featured image at top: UC Associate Librarian Mark Chalmers, left, poses with Skanska USA's Jordan Tobler, WCPO reporter Tanya O'Rourke and UC Senior Librarian Ted Baldwin in front of the newly installed Rookwood fountain at Old Chemistry. Photo/MIchael Miller