Built to Last, Again
University of Cincinnati, Old Chemistry Building Renovation / Expansion
Higher Education, Laboratories and Research
Since it opened in 1917, the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Old Chemistry Building has stood as a cornerstone of scientific learning and innovation on campus. What began as a dedicated home for chemistry education has, for more than a century, witnessed the evolution of science, technology, and the university itself.
Today, as UC’s Chemistry Department celebrates its 150th anniversary, the newly renovated and expanded Old Chem building carries forward that legacy. Reimagined to serve not only chemistry but also fields such as engineering, biology, and nursing, the project demonstrates the value of designing strategically with existing resources. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the building reduces embodied carbon emissions by 42% below industry baseline through reusing the existing structure instead of building from scratch. Designed by ZGF in partnership with BHDP, the revitalized space exemplifies responsible renewal and investment, demonstrating how historic structures can be thoughtfully modernized to serve current and future generations.
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Square Feet
210,000
Completion date
2025
Project Component
Architecture Services
Interior Design and Space Planning
Certifications
LEED Gold
Prefabricated façade panels and modular construction expedited the build schedule.
“This reopening is not just the restoration of brick and mortar but a renewal of our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the fostering of interdisciplinary collaboration.”
James Mack, Dean of UC College of Arts and Sciences
Connecting Campus and Context
Nicknamed the “City of Seven Hills,” Cincinnati is known for its undulating terrain. With UC’s campus perched on one of these seven hills, the renewed Old Chemistry building was carefully designed to navigate the significant grade changes. The resulting structure improves circulation and accessibility while strengthening its connection to the broader campus. The building serves as a key connector across different campus elevations, offering multiple entry points at various levels and integrating a network of accessible pathways and pocket gardens that transform previously challenging terrain into inviting, accessible spaces.
The renewed Old Chemistry Building bridges UC’s architectural eras through contrast and continuity. The original structure’s restored red brick and limestone façade anchors the building in the university’s historic core, while the new addition reinterprets that palette with a concrete base, terracotta masonry, and a glass “lantern” that stitches old and new together.
The original portion of the Old Chemistry building was carefully restored to preserve the building's character.
The new addition bridges the campus’ historic core with its contemporary architectural identity.
Inside, daylight moves across white oak detailing and clean, modern finishes, creating a warm and unified environment. Glass-walled labs reveal active research and anatomy displays to passersby, turning everyday science into a visible part of campus life and recruitment. The project strengthens UC’s sense of place by linking generations of design, study, and discovery, and demonstrates that strategic reinvestment in existing infrastructure can preserve history while delivering state-of-the-art functionality.
Filled with light and framed by long views, the labs foster focus and connection—their bird-safe glazing quietly extending that care to the environment beyond.
With more than half of UC’s freshman population taking foundational courses in the Old Chemistry building, the space functions as a central academic hub on campus. The revitalized facility unites a diverse and vibrant academic program that reflects UC’s interdisciplinary spirit.
The building houses classrooms, teaching and research laboratories for chemistry, engineering, and biology, along with collaboration zones and study spaces. The layout strategically places less infrastructure-intensive classrooms within the restored historic envelope, while the new addition accommodates MEP-heavy laboratories. Core labs occupy the lowest level, teaching labs sit above, and research labs are located on the upper floors—creating an efficient and intuitive flow of activity throughout the space.
The atrium creates a social hub with open collaboration spaces, pocket lounge areas, and intimate study nooks.
At the heart of the building, a bright multistory atrium links the old and new wings, providing a social and circulation hub enriched by natural light from skylights above and anchored by bridges, ramps, and stairs that navigate the site’s vertical complexity. Thoughtful interior details, such as a restored fountain from 1921, display cases of antique instruments and artifacts, and a wall timeline of historic moments, showcase UC’s academic legacy. Together, these elements make Old Chemistry Building both a center for discovery and a living testament to the university’s enduring pursuit of knowledge.
An emphasis on transparency puts science on display while enhancing natural light.
The transformation of the University of Cincinnati’s Old Chemistry Building is a pragmatic yet elegant response to today’s higher-education realities, demonstrating how universities can invest in existing infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and continue to expand strategically. Its thoughtful integration into the campus—both physically and visually—enhances accessibility, connectivity, and the daily experience of students and faculty alike. The Old Chemistry Building embodies UC’s vision for the future of higher education: one where history and progress work together to inspire discovery, connection, and sustainable growth for generations to come.
Design Partner
UMass Chan Medical School, The Paul J. DiMare Center
North Carolina State University, Woodson Hall
Wexford Science + Technology / University of California, Davis, Aggie Square
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