Chemistry Teaching Labs construction reaches half-way point
New classrooms and labs will open to students in Fall 2025
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (08/01/2024) — Summer 2024 marked the halfway point for the construction of a new $144.7 million Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Laboratories building that will transform the way chemistry is taught at the University of Minnesota and fuel Minnesota’s workforce.
The renovation reimagines 95-year-old Fraser Hall on the University’s Twin Cities campus. Once completed, the updated 117,000-square-foot facility will house 18 active learning labs, tutoring and informal student collaboration spaces, professional offices, and general purpose classrooms. Renovating and modernizing the outdated spaces—used by more than 5,000 undergraduate students each semester for general and organic chemistry courses.
The project was made possible by an initial legislative $3.2 million investment in project design in 2020 and $92.6 million in 2023 capital funds. Through private philanthropy and other investments, the University will contribute the remaining funds for the $144.7 million project.
The College of Science and Engineering also secured lead gift for the building this summer. In recognition of the alumni couple’s generous investment, the University will name the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories' second level the “Thomas Allen Gregory and Françoise deRochefort Thompson General Chemistry Floor.” The donor requested the amount of the gift not be disclosed.
“Françoise resonated with our vision. She understands the connection between physical space and learning,” said CSE Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs David Blank. “The updated building and its chemistry labs will formalize a shift in teaching and learning outcomes that have been underway for some time.”
Students who will use the labs, academic support, and collaborative learning spaces represent a wide range of majors — roughly one-third of all University of Minnesota Twin Cities students will take chemistry and other courses in this building.
“This special building will provide the setting and facilities for discourse and exchanges to take place in furthering learning, which will lead to many unique and exciting discoveries. It is only fitting that Tom and I share our love of science, education, and each other so that others can benefit…it’s not just the building, but it’s what happens inside the building," said Françoise deRochefort Thompson.
“Equipping our students with the skills required to make an impact is important for the future of our state, region, and nation,” said CSE Dean Andrew Alleyne. “This project puts us on the leading edge of instruction and will fuel generations of change-makers who support innovation and industry."
The renewed Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories building is expected to open for fall 2025 classes.
- Read more about the new building.
- Watch a live stream of the construction site.
- Get construction updates on the project website.
Support the Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories or contact Justin Miedema at [email protected] or 612-624-4318 for more information.