Ezra Taft Benson Building

Before the Benson

The Chemistry and Biochemistry's first home was in the Eyring Science Center (ESC) alongside the Geology and Physics Departments. At the time of its dedication in 1950, the ESC was a much needed addition to campus facilities, providing more lab equipment and a dedicated space for the sciences. But as the century drew to a close, chemistry students felt cramped. While BYU's expansion meant more discoveries and growth for academia, students discovered that the ESC alone was not enough space for the department. By the 1980s, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department was thinly spread across five campus buildings:

1. The ESC
2. The John A. Widtsoe Life Sciences Laboratory Building (WIDB, taken down in 2015)
3. The Joseph K Nicholes Building (NICB)
4. The Harvey Fletcher Engineering Laboratory Building (FB, replaced by the Engineering Building in 2019)
5. The Spencer W. Kimball Tower (KMBL)

In February 1987, an anonymous* document was sent to University Administration titled "Brigham Young University Needs a New Chemistry Building." In it are several complaints about spacing and facilities, with supporting photos.

*Given the document's voice and use of we, we suspect chemistry and biochemistry students put together the document with the help of peers and professors.

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Brigham Young University Needs a New Chemistry Building PDF

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We do not know if this document was the sole reason for the creation of the Ezra Taft Benson Building (BNSN), but just seven years later, in April 1993, BYU hosted the BNSN's groundbreaking. Professors and students gathered alongside Apostles and Church leaders to begin work on this building.

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Groundbreaking of the Benson Building PDF

To read President Hinckley's remarks at the groundbreaking of the BNSN, click here.

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Construction

The construction of the BNSN began as soon as the Joseph Smith Memorial building was completed. The BNSN took the place of the old Joseph Smith Building on campus. Construction lasted from April 1993 through October 1995. Following President Hinckley's remarks at the groundbreaking, the BNSN was designed and built with two functions in mind: academic and church functions.

The BNSN's total construction costs are estimated around $80 million.

Timelapse

Dedication

The Ezra Taft Benson building was dedicated on Friday, October 20th, 1995, by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Professors, scholars, students, and Church leaders gathered together to honor President Benson's legacy and the work that would take place within the brand new facilities.

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Dedicatory Remarks and Prayer of the Benson Building

To read President Hinckley's remarks at the BNSN dedication, click this link.

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Today and Beyond

After its dedication, the BNSN became the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department's new home at BYU, with enough space to accommodate the entire department. Students and professors no longer had to find space where they could across campus but could come together in one building.

Thirty years since its dedication, we as a department are proud to continue making history within the Benson Building. From quiet classroom discussions to worldwide research impacts, our light shines far beyond BYU's physical walls. But without the BNSN, our department would not be where it is today.