University of Minnesota

Fraser Hall

Chemistry Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories

UPDATED: 8/22/2025

Construction Status

Progress Photos

Fraser Renovation Webcam

Disruption Avoidance Alerts

Updated: 4/8/2025

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Pleasant ave sidewalk closure will occur EITHER the week of 4/14/25 or 4/21/25 based on outside influencing circumstances

Fraser Hall Ceremonial Construction Start

On September 26th, 2023, a ceremony marking the start of construction was held at Walter Library. There were many attendees, including students, UMN Chemistry department faculty, members of the project team, and Governor Tim Walz.

Read more about the ceremony at Kare11 and KSTP

Construction Management Class Tour

On February 13th, 2024, Mortenson held a tour of the construction site for UMN's Construction Management students. Students got to see the inside of the Headhouse as well as the progress on the new addition.

Overall Project Schedule

Actual Schematic Design Start: May 2020

Actual Construction Start: June 2023

Estimated Substantial Completion: July 2025

Project Summary

This project will consolidate and relocate undergraduate General, Life Sciences, and Organic Chemistry courses currently housed in Smith Hall and Kolthoff Hall to a transformed Fraser Hall.

New labs will support the modern methods of process-oriented, active learning for the undergraduate student. Consolidating the space needs for these courses allows Fraser Hall to emerge as a hub and community for undergraduate students of all disciplines.

Historical Context

Fraser Hall is a contributing property to the Northrop Mall Historic District which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original building architect was Clarence H. Johnston Sr. and was built in 1927-1928.

Sustainability

This project is utilizing the State of Minnesota B3 guidelines (which includes SB2030 Energy Standard) to meet sustainability goals for site, water, energy, indoor environment, materials, and waste.

Sustainable features include: a high-efficiency mechanical system, heat recovery system, storm water rate control, occupancy sensors. LED lighting, daylighting controls, low flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star equipment and appliances where available, and reuse of existing brick, and more.