Large plastic sheets and a plywood cover now surround the area of the former general chemistry laboratories and a classroom on the first floor of Monroe Hall.

The plastic and plywood are shielding renovations 11 years in the making.

“This is phase two of a construction plan devised around 1997. The first phase of this plan was completed in 1999 and resulted in the organic chemistry labs, Keck laboratory and new stock room located across the hall from the current construction site,” Thomas Spence, chairman of the chemistry department, said.

Before demolition began, workers found asbestos insulation in the area and had to call in subcontractors to remove it.

Asbestos insulation is normal for buildings built at the time Monroe was, and is harmless as long as it is not disturbed, Spence said. He said no other harmful chemicals were found.

“Asbestos had to be removed from transit exhaust ductwork to the old fume hoods and insulation on some piping in the area,” said Ann Moss, assistant director of operations for Physical Plant.

“The asbestos removal has been completed for several weeks now and was performed by a licensed abatement contractor under the supervision of an environmental engineering firm hired by the university.”

Spence said the renovated space will continue to be used for general chemistry classes with new labs and a more flexible classroom and lecture hall.

“The updated facilities will enable us to also use the labs for advanced forensic chemistry courses,” Spence said.

“The lecture hall will continue to be used for instruction; however, it will become a more flexible ‘collaborative learning’ facility with moveable furniture, flexible lighting and wireless Internet access.”

With work expected to finish sometime this summer, faculty and students are using the organic chemistry labs across the hall from the out of service labs under renovation, Spence said.

Jordan Hultine can be reached at [email protected].