Chem Labratory Receives Facelift

As part of the University's large scale effort to update its scientific facilities, the Converse Chemistry Laboratories are undergoing a $2 million overhaul designed to keep the lab up to date in a rapidly advancing field and possibly lure scientists to Harvard.

Administrators and scientists say the renovations are proceeding smoothly and have had some of the problems reported at some of the other laboratories also being refurbished.

For example, the ongoing $25 million overhaul of the Biological Laboratories has been plagued by long delays, damaged experiments and occupant complaints of improper asbestos removal.

October Date

The reconstruction scheduled for completion in October, will rebuild the basement and third floors of the three story building. The third floor will also be extended onto the roof of the two story building next door.

The 56 year old Converse Lab will receive electrical, plumbing, and ventilation system overhauls, central air conditioning and waste disposal systems, and new Lab equipment. Instrument rooms and offices are also being installed, said Jerome V. Conners, assistant director of the Chemistry Laboratories.

The basement, which in the past has housed several research Labs, will now hold much of the department's computers, X-ray machines and other high technology equipment, currently scattered throughout several buildings.

The first and second floors are also expected to undergo similar renovations in the future but a date for the work has not been set, said Donald J. Ciappenelli, director of the Chemistry Laboratories. Further work will depend on the needs of future faculty members, he added.

Professor of Chemistry David A. Evans, whose third floor Converse Lab is undergoing the most work, said that his research has been slightly hindered, but added that the inconvenience has been minimal.

Overall, he said, he is extremely pleased with the cooperation of the construction workers, and without the reconstruction, he added, the former facilities would be inadequate for him to conduct his research.

"Considering the fact that there is a major renovation going on, the construction people and scientists have worked well together," said Evans, who helped design the additional 5000 feet of lab space.