In 1905 the State Legislature appropriated $50,000 for the erection of a chemical laboratory. The students were less than enthusiastic as they were hoping for new athletic facilities and reluctantly accepted the need for a chemical building. A Spectrum editorial stated, "Of course, the question of more room and better equipment for indoor athletics was of vital importance to each student personally, but there is the feeling that perhaps more room for chemical work was the greater of the two needs. Nevertheless, the hope of a better gymnasium still survives, and will continue to be cherished until the desired end is gained" (NDAC Catalog 1910-11, p. 18 and Spectrum, April 15, 1905, 142-143).
The Spectrum stated that the building would be "an imposing three-story structure, 84 feet by 100 feet, [...]. The main doorway is to be 9 feet by 13 feet, supported by two massive granite columns. The lintel bears the inscription 'Chemistry Laboratory,' in clear letters." When completed the building's main part was a three-story structure measuring 76 feet by 50 feet and had two wings extending back that were two-stories in height and that measured 50 feet by 30 feet. A special greenhouse was also connected to the laboratory for conducting research work. The total cost of the new chemical laboratory was $48,500. (Spectrum, April 15, 1905, 143 and Eighth Biennial Report of the Board of Trustees, NDAC, 1906, p. 12).
In 1909, the Chemical Laboratory underwent an addition. The space between the two wings was sealed with a brick wall that extended up even with the wings. A glass roof was then put on to ensure good lighting. The addition's purpose was to create a new laboratory to accommodate sixty students and relieve the tight confines of many of the classrooms (Spectrum, November 16, 1909, p.2).
It
is uncertain whether or not the addition to the Chemical Laboratory was ever
completed. On December 24, 1909 an explosion and
resulting fire gutted and destroyed all of the building except the west wall.
Other structures on campus received minor damage as the windows of the Engineering
Building were cracked from the heat, but the direction of the wind (northwest)
prevented any further damage. The loss was in excess of $85,000 and the insurance
on the building and supplies was for $40,000. Temporary arrangements were made
and the work was carried out in various buildings around campus (Spectrum,
January 11, 1910, p. 1 and Tenth Biennial Report of the Board of Trustees,
NDAC, 1910, p. 17).
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