Chemistry Teaching Labs construction reaches half-way point
Southwest view architectural drawing of future Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Labs
Once completed, the updated 117,000-square-foot chemistry lab facility will house 18 new active learning labs, tutoring and informal student collaboration spaces, and general purpose classrooms for more than 5,000 undergraduate students each semester. Credits: Architectural renderings provided by Lead Design Architect VJAA, Inc. and Architect of Record BWBR.

New classrooms and labs will open to students in Fall 2025

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (08/01/2024) — Summer 2024 marked the half-way 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 Renovating and modernizing the outdated spaces—used by more than 5,000 undergraduate students each semester for general and organic chemistry courses.

This timelapse video shows the construction from August 2023 to July 2024 of the new Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Credit: University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

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.

student standing in a future chemistry lab in an architectural rendering
Roughly one-third of all University of Minnesota Twin Cities students from a multitude of academic majors will take chemistry and other courses in this building. Image credit: Architectural renderings provided by Lead Design Architect VJAA, Inc. and Architect of Record BWBR.

“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.  

Contacts:

University Public Relations, unews@umn.edu

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