University of Delaware
Newark, DE

Ayers/Saint/Gross designed the first new building resulting from a study of the University's entire chemistry and biochemistry complex. It set the precedent for the next phase, which was renovations in the 1937 Brown Laboratory.

Many programs in older buildings were relocated into the new facility, which allowed reorganization of other labs and teaching space. Brown's four floors have research and teaching labs, offices, seminar and conference rooms, and a 256-seat lecture hall. The ground level houses a machine shop, glass blowing shop, electronics repair shop, and chemical storeroom. All four floors of a wing are being renovated as a phase so costs are spread over time and disruption is at a minimum.

The first phase included the south wing of the original lab building and most of the ground floor. The labs and associated offices were modernized and support space capacity increased. In addition, the mechanical system was replaced by state-of-the-art equipment in the attic. The north and west wings will be renovated next.

Completion: 1995 (Phase I)
Size: 30,000 gsf
Cost: $6.5 million