The University of Cincinnati proudly marked the completion of a major transformation project as the historic Old Chemistry building reopened its doors this past Wednesday, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories and energy-efficient designs. After a two-year renovation period, which racked up a cost of $190 million, UC students and faculty are now set to experience some of the most advanced facilities in various disciplines, including chemistry, biology, engineering, and nursing.
The extensive project sought not only to preserve the building’s exterior charm but also to deeply innovate from within. The endeavor required to collectively harness the sweat and skill of 1,300 crew members who, according to the university, worked a staggering 665,000 hours. In a statement obtained by UC's official news, Provost John Weidner expressed his pride in the project: “Through two years of construction and the dedication of 1,300 crew members working 665,000 hours, we have transformed this facility into a modern, accessible, inspiring space for teaching, discovery and community connections.”
The renovation was heavily supported by state funds, with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio state Legislature allocating $70 million from its capital improvement fund. UC President Neville Pinto acknowledged this support during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reminisced about the building’s storied past, where he once taught chemical engineering and which housed a nuclear reactor used for non-enriched uranium research.
“As it has for many decades, Old Chem will remain central to our academic mission for both undergraduate and graduate education,” Pinto told UC News. With doors now open, the institution looks forward to the future of innovation and community connection that Weidner mentioned is bound to emanate from the halls of Old Chem, touching lives far beyond its physical walls.
