University of Minnesota Opens Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories

The University of Minnesota opened a reimagined undergraduate chemistry education facility in October 2025 on its Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. Transforming the historic Fraser Hall, a 97-year-old law library, the $144.7 million project comprised the demolition of selected portions of the building, 30,730 gsf of renovation, and 91,350 sf of new construction. A mechanical penthouse was also created. 

VJAA and BWBR’s design for the leading-edge structure enhances modern pedagogies and fosters innovation by providing eighteen active learning labs, with seven dedicated to general chemistry, seven for organic chemistry, and four for life sciences. Venues for tutoring and student collaboration are complemented by classrooms, offices, and space for future work in nuclear magnetic resonance.

Maximizing occupant access to daylight, the sustainable development leverages passive solar shading as well as new mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems to achieve an 80 percent reduction in energy use. The project attracted $3.3 million in state funding in 2020 for the design and $92.6 million in 2023 for the renovation. Mortensen broke ground on the facility in September of 2023.