CINCINNATI, OH – On Friday, August 30, Skanska, university representatives, and project teams celebrated a significant milestone in the revitalization of the University of Cincinnati's historic Old Chem building with a topping out ceremony. This event marks the structural completion of the new addition to the building.
The building, originally constructed in 1917, is undergoing a comprehensive 55,000-square-foot renovation addition. The renovation will breathe new life into the historic structure by integrating modern facilities, including new faculty and departmental offices, open and flexible engineering research labs, general-purpose classrooms, and state-of-the-art biology and chemistry teaching labs. In addition, the renovation will create new student study areas and collaborative spaces for faculty and students.
The 155,000-square-foot addition, which is the focal point of the topping out ceremony, will introduce state-of-the-art, open-bay chemistry research labs. These labs will be equipped with chemical storage, material support, and facility service spaces, ensuring that the University of Cincinnati remains at the forefront of scientific research and education. To accommodate this addition, a portion of the building added in the 1930s was demolished prior to the start of construction.
"We are proud to celebrate this milestone in the transformation of one of the University’s most iconic buildings," said Chris Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Skanska USA Building. "This project not only preserves the historic significance of the original structure but also provides the University of Cincinnati with the cutting-edge facilities needed to advance its mission of education and research."
The building will be a cornerstone of the University of Cincinnati's main campus, serving students and faculty for generations to come.