The renovation of Dabney Hall is a multi-phase project that will thoroughly modernize NC State's main chemistry building.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of the Dabney Hall renovation will focus on updating the seventh and eighth floors of Dabney Hall, as well as a portion of the ground floor of Cox Hall. New air-handling, electrical, generator and life-safety systems will be installed as part of this project. The occupants of Dabney Hall will remain on the ground floor through the fifth floor during the renovation, and classes will continue until construction begins on those floors.
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.
Each renovated research floor will feature two large shared laboratory spaces with laboratory support rooms for specific research functions. There will be two shared graduate student office spaces which open to each lab, and faculty and staff offices along the east side. Just across from the elevators will be a collaboration space, kitchenette and small conference room.
Exterior Spaces
The exterior of the building will take on a new appearance as the windows will be replaced with floor to ceiling windows, starting from the eighth floor. In addition, Dabney Hall and Cox Hall will be merged into one building. The stairwell and walls separating them will be removed, and the restroom facilities will be located on the Cox Hall side on floors three to six.
Dabney Renovation Project Gallery
See renderings of renovated interior and exterior spaces in Dabney Hall.
Graduate student office spaces will feature new windows and an entrance to nearby labs.
An informal gathering space sits adjacent to a conference room and break area.
This rendering shows a generic laboratory in Dabney Hall with modular, non-fixed casework. Ratios of hood, bench and floor space will vary by research group. The floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as windows into the student office space, provide light and a sense of openness.
The exterior of the building, which will merge Dabney with Cox, will take on a new appearance as the windows will be replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Project Timeline
Completing the Dabney Hall renovation will require additional funds beyond the $140 million that has already been allocated. Assuming those funds are made available, the latter phases of the project could be complete by 2034.
Fall 2025
Phase 1 construction begins (Dabney floors 7-8, ground floor of Cox)
January 2028
Phase 1 construction complete; Phase 2 construction begins (Dabney floors 3-6)
2030
Phase 2 construction complete; Phase 3 construction begins (will require additional state funding)
2034
Estimated project completion (will require additional state funding)
