University of Minnesota Opened Redesigned Fraser Hall
The historic 1929 building now serves as a modern undergraduate chemistry teaching center.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Chemistry
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In late 2025, the University of Minnesota unveiled its redesigned Fraser Hall in Minneapolis. The project integrates the original 1929 law school structure into a new, expansive facility dedicated to undergraduate chemistry education.
Why it matters
University faculty spent 15 years planning the facility to create an inclusive hub that encourages student interaction. The design improves campus circulation by reorienting the building toward the Mississippi River and the historic Northrop Mall.
The facility features a 121,718-square-foot expansion and a facade designed with vertical metal louvers that block 40 percent of direct sunlight while maintaining 60 percent openness.
The players
VJAA
This architecture firm led the design process to integrate historic structures with new, modern functional requirements.
Dyani White Hawk
She is a visual artist who created the 5-story glass installation featured in the building's South Stair Tower.
The details
Architecture firm VJAA converted the site by using concrete construction to meet height restrictions while housing 15 modern labs. The space includes a 5-story glass artwork by Dyani White Hawk in the South Stair Tower and wood-slatted benches with radiant heating.
Timeline
The original law school building was erected in 1929.
The project was in the planning stages for 15 years.
The redesigned Fraser Hall officially opened in late 2025.
The Big Picture
This development marks a shift in how the University of Minnesota chemistry department delivers undergraduate education by consolidating resources into a high-capacity, purpose-built center.
Undergraduate students can now utilize 15 modern laboratories that offer improved lighting and proximity to the campus core. The integration of public pedestrian pathways connecting to the River Road parkway enhances daily transit for the campus community.
The takeaway
The building demonstrates how historic architecture can be preserved while significantly expanding modern laboratory capacity. Its design highlights a trend of prioritizing student-centered circulation and natural light in academic infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in chemical research and education on our Chemistry page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Architect’s Newspaper.
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