Creating the New Dabney Hall
NC State's main chemistry building is undergoing its first comprehensive renovation.
From the Department Head
The renovation of Dabney Hall is one of the most important developments in the 135-year history of the Department of Chemistry at NC State. When complete, the renovated building, along with the adjacent Woodson Hall, will form a one-of-a-kind hub for the molecular sciences within the UNC System and throughout the Southeast. The renovated spaces will feature state-of-the-art open concept lab spaces, with smaller lab support spaces specific to various research group needs. New electrical and mechanical systems will fully support the high demands of the research and teaching of the department.
Safety is our top priority throughout the renovation process. Both my office and lab are located in Dabney, and so I have a personal interest in seeing that this project is completed safely. Both I and the entire project team are thoroughly familiar with the deficiencies of the current space, and knowledgeable of current and past testing and renovations.
We are extremely grateful to the UNC System and the State of North Carolina legislature for funding these renovations, and for their current and future investments in the molecular sciences at NC State. The department has compiled a list of answers to frequently asked questions that provide further information about the project. Please take a look and feel free to reach out to me at any time if you have questions.
Supporting the Next Generation of Chemists
Dabney Hall, which has served as NC State’s main chemistry building since its 1969 construction, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. The project will involve a complete modernization of each floor of the eight-story building, including new heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and life-safety systems.
To date, the State of North Carolina has allocated $140 million toward the renovation. More funding will be required to complete the project.
The Future of Dabney Hall
Associated Projects
The renovation of Dabney and Cox Halls is one of three large-scale construction projects under way in the heart of NC State’s North Campus.
Broughton Hall Renovation
To prepare for the Dabney Hall renovation, several other renovation projects have been completed or are under way. The largest of these is the complete renovation of the third and fourth floors of Broughton Hall, as well as the diesel wing of the building.
Broughton Hall Renovation
Take a photo tour of renovated laboratory spaces inside Broughton Hall.
Woodson Hall
Located at the heart of NC State’s campus, Woodson Hall will be a community space as well as the hub of NC State’s Integrative Sciences Initiative. When it opens in Fall 2026, the building will unite a dynamic community of interdisciplinary scholars committed to developing molecular solutions that address society’s most pressing human, animal and plant health challenges.
The first two floors will be a place where the sciences, the arts and the public intersect. The top three floors will consist of lab spaces dedicated to applied molecular science and commercialization.
Internal Resources
More Dabney Hall renovation resources are accessible to Department of Chemistry community members.