University of Chicago / Searle Chemistry Labs

The complete renovation of the Searle Chemistry Laboratory building has established a state-of-the-art scientific platform, directly serving five principal investigators and approximately sixty graduate students in the Department of Chemistry. This infrastructure investment provides a firm foundation for the department’s continued success in securing grants and recruiting world-class researchers.

Research Infrastructure and Future Readiness

The new facilities house critical departmental instrumentation, including NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and X-Ray Diffraction suites, with capacity for future equipment. Critically, this space is engineered for longevity and growth. It includes a specialized cleanroom in the basement to support nanoscience research and collaborations with Argonne National Laboratories.

In a planned move, the building currently provides an interim, open-concept home for the 90 members of the Computation Institute (CI). This collaborative environment is strategically designed for easy conversion into synthetic chemistry labs as the department’s needs evolve.

Social and Public Transformation

The renovation dramatically improved the building’s social and public presence. New, universally accessible entrances were added on both the Ellis Avenue and quadrangle sides, each leading into a double-height lobby. These lobbies serve as strategic pedestrian links across the campus. The new public spaces are further enhanced by a dedicated seminar and conference area located on the second floor of the eastern quadrangle wing.

Sustainability and Design

Achieving LEED® Gold certification, the Searle project stands as a model of sustainable renovation. The project utilized extensive energy conservation technologies, prioritized responsible use and reuse of materials, and took care to ensure exceptional indoor air quality. The look and feel of the interior is now fresh, comfortable, and naturally day-lit. The renovation successfully modernized the building for cutting-edge research while demonstrating a deep respect for the elegant qualities of the original design and a commitment to environmental stewardship.