UK Chemistry-Physics Building recognized for architectural excellence
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2025) — Filled with natural light, open gathering areas and state-of-the-art research labs, the newly renovated Chemistry-Physics Building at the University of Kentucky has become a vibrant center for learning and discovery — a transformation now celebrated by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Kentucky.
The project’s $60.9 million first phase, led by Omni Architects, has received the AIA’s only Honor Award for 2025 — the highest professional recognition presented by the organization that commemorates architectural excellence in Kentucky.
The teaching, learning and research that take place in the Chemistry-Physics Building are critical to advancing UK’s position as a premier research institution — supporting complex, demanding laboratory capabilities. Because these spaces had to remain operational throughout the project, the renovation was carried out one floor at a time.
“Every campus renovation poses unique challenges, but UK set very high expectations for this project,” said Eric Zabilka, principal-in-charge for Omni Architects. “We knew from day one the teaching and research taking place in the building would need to be the highest priority, and this drove the entire renovation process. Everyone involved pulled together to develop creative design solutions and innovative construction methods to ensure the Chemistry-Physics Building’s remarkable transformation would not only allow today’s mission-critical teaching and research to continue, but would result in a building that can serve generations to come.”
This award-winning phase marks the start of a multi-phase, multi-year reconstruction of the entire building.
“Receiving an AIA Honor Award is a meaningful recognition of the thoughtful design and collaborative effort that went into the Chemistry-Physics Building renovation,” said Angela Walton, capital construction manager senior in UK Facilities Management. “From the high-performance building envelope to the state-of-the-art research labs, technology upgrades and flexible collaboration and meeting spaces, this project reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation and functionality. It was a challenging endeavor, but the dedication of the design team, Wehr Constructors and our University of Kentucky stakeholders made it a resounding success.”
The AIA jury praised the renovation for “breathing new life into a complex building by opening it to the street and transforming its interiors into light-filled, inviting spaces that foster a vibrant learning and teaching environment.” They also highlighted generous, welcoming entries, glass partitions and abundant daylight that “encourage community and engagement,” along with the project’s sustainability achievements and phased construction that extended the building’s life.
“The result is a fresh, forward-looking symbol of progress and purpose,” the jury said.
The renovation reorganized the building to enhance collaboration — teaching and public spaces on the first floor, advanced research labs on the second and third floors, and specialized labs and support functions on the ground floor. Exterior upgrades included a new curtainwall enclosure, new entrances, stairs, elevators and building support systems — all completed while the rest of the building stayed in operation.
“It’s amazing to see what Omni was able to do with this project,” said Mark Meier, Ph.D., UK professor of chemistry. “It’s breathtaking to see the change from a late 1950s design into something that provides a more open and inviting environment for people while also providing laboratory spaces appropriate for the chemistry and physics research of the 21st century. When the elevator doors open and you see the new space, you feel that you’ve entered a different building and a different era.”
The first phase sets the standard for future phases of the Chemistry-Physics renovation, which will continue to modernize the entire complex and support UK’s growing research mission. When the renovations are complete, the university will have a entirely renovated, modern building that has been designed to meet the evolving needs of its users for generations to come.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.