Constructed in 1934–35, the University of Arkansas Chemistry Building had undergone little to no major renovation during its nearly seven decades of use. By the time WER Architects was selected as the architectural lead in 2002, significant portions of the historic facility had been abandoned and were being used primarily for storage. WER undertook a comprehensive, five-year renovation to transform the building into a modern academic and research facility while preserving the architectural character and historic materials that define the building.

The renovation completely revitalized the Chemistry Building, introducing state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, seminar rooms, a lecture hall, and modern office spaces for the Department of Chemistry and ancillary staff. The project required careful integration of contemporary laboratory infrastructure and building systems within the existing historic structure, allowing the University to continue using the building as a functional academic and research environment while retaining its architectural identity.

Historic preservation was a central component of the project. WER carefully restored significant materials and architectural details throughout the building’s exterior and interior corridors and lobbies. Restoration efforts included stone patching, masonry tuckpointing, crack repair, exterior cleaning and brick cleaning, plaster repair, terrazzo restoration, historic light fixture restoration, and restoration of original wood doors and millwork. These improvements helped return character and craftsmanship to areas that had deteriorated over decades of use and limited maintenance.

Because the University of Arkansas Chemistry Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the renovation required close coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. All restoration and renovation work was reviewed and approved to ensure that modern improvements were compatible with the building’s historic significance.