University of Arizona Chemistry Building Renovation

This project is a 78,600-GSF renovation and additions to a historic Old Chemistry Building into an innovative teaching hub that supports evidence-based teaching strategies. The historic Chemistry-Physics building, now called “Old Chemistry,” was one of five buildings constructed on the UArizona campus in the late 1930s as part of a building program funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Designed by the late Tucson architect Roy Place, the Chemistry-Physics building was originally a three-story red brick structure with two main entrances, and it has since had additions in the years 1948 and 1962. As part of the current renovation, the southern building will be demolished, and a new three-story auditorium and classrooms will be provided. Old Chem and the new Commons building are home to seven collaborative classrooms and café spaces to encourage student and faculty engagement. The design incorporates biophilic elements and exterior spaces to achieve green building features. The structural system consists of a steel roof and floor framing supported by steel columns and braced frames. Tracking to be LEED Silver Certified.

2023 Structural Engineers Association of Arizona Excellence Award Winner. 2023 AIA Goodwin Collaboration Award Winner. 2023 ENR Southwest Best Project Renovation/Restoration.