Events

August 2, 2018 at 4:45 pm

Groundbreaking on New Chemistry Building, Aug. 30

Architect's rendering of the new Chemistry Building.

Architect’s rendering of the new Chemistry Building. Courtesy of BHDP + Flad Architects.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to a groundbreaking on a new state-of-the-art chemistry building at Ohio University is Thursday, Aug. 30, from 3 – 5 p.m.

A reception in Clippinger Laboratories at 3 p.m. precedes the groundbreaking ceremony and remarks, scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Speakers include Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis; Dr. Chaden Djalali, Executive Vice President and Provost; Dr. David Scholl, Chair of the Ohio University Board of Trustees; and Dr. Joseph Shields, Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Ohio University’s new chemistry building will be a state-of-the-art 69,000 square-foot facility featuring

  • Student and faculty collaboration spaces
  • Research laboratories
  • Faculty and graduate student offices

The new building is projected to open in the summer of 2020 and is considered phase 1 of the Clippinger renovation project. Phases 2 and 3 will follow in Clippinger as space is available to shift labs, offices, and classroom into the new building. The project is estimated to cost $42.6 million.

“Ohio University’s scientists are conducting groundbreaking research, and we’re looking forward to moving some of that research into a modern facility that allows students and faculty to do their best work in a more visible environment,” Shields said. “Teaching and research needs are dramatically different than they were when Clippinger Laboratories opened in 1965, and this project will reflect 21st century instructional and research standards.”

“The architects, planners, staff and faculty have all been involved in the collaborative discussions to develop an exciting new facility for chemistry. We are excited for the proposed project as it will complement the core strengths of the department and enable us to achieve our full potential for the 21st century,” said Dr. Stephen C. Bergmeier, Professor and Chair of Chemistry & Biochemistry.

The first phase includes moving undergraduate instructional laboratories from the basement of Clippinger to the first floor of the new facility. The instructional labs will open to light-filled student collaboration spaces, an environment designed to support student and faculty interaction by providing a variety of work areas in different settings.

The first floor of the new building will also include a space for shared research instrumentation, and will put research activity on display next to the undergraduate student labs. Upper floors will feature laboratories and offices, as well as collaboration and conference rooms.

The building is situated to preserve nearby old growth sycamore trees.

The project will require the closure of parking lots 83 and 84 and a section of University Terrace on Aug. 27. See alternative parking arrangements.

 

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