Chemistry – UGA 1001 (1960, 1971; Category 2). Chemistry was constructed in 1960 to the east of Geography-Geology. It features an annex constructed in 1971. The annex has a nuclear magnetic resonance facility that helps to determine the chemical structures of molecules.
The Chemistry Building was completed in 1960 as a central component of the Science Complex on Compton Hill. Located on the north-facing slope of the hill, the building is comprised of a set of rectangular wings oriented east-west along the contours of the hill. The entrance to the Chemistry Building faces south and is reached by way of a concrete ramp and stairway leading down from the open plaza along Cedar Street to a courtyard in front of the building. The building’s cantilevered concrete entrance canopy is a particularly distinctive example of Mid-Century Modern design. Separate but connected auditorium structures consisting of windowless rectangular blocks project in front of the Chemistry Building to either side of the entrance and ramps. The auditorium structures have direct access to the Cedar Street plaza.
The Chemistry Building is three stories high on its primary south elevation and four stories high on its downhill north elevation. The main block of the building primarily houses administrative and academic functions. A pair of wings to the east and northeast house laboratories. A six-story addition was constructed to the north of the complex in 1971.
The architectural vocabulary of the Chemistry Building is similar to that of other buildings in the Science Center, but has a different visual treatment. Like other buildings, the concrete structure is clearly expressed in exposed floor plates, beams, and in some locations, columns. The concrete is painted white. Brick panels fill the walls between the floor plates, with nearly square metal and glass windows set within the brick. It is not known whether the existing anodized aluminum windows are original, as the finish is different than that of windows on other buildings in the Science Center.
The Chemistry Building retains integrity despite alterations, and appears to contribute to a National Register-eligible historic district. It is assessed as a Category 2 resource.
