Malott Hall

At its dedication Nov. 5, 1954, this limestone building was named in honor of Deane W. Malott, the dynamic native Kansan and 1921 economics and journalism alumnus who was the eighth chancellor (1939-51). A huge addition designed by Peters, Williams & Kubota of Lawrence was dedicated April 10, 1981.

Chemistry and physics had been taught at KU since its earliest years, and pharmacy was added in 1885. Surging enrollments after World War II emphasized the mechanical and technological shortcomings of Bailey Chemical Laboratory and Blake Hall, science facilities designed before the turn of the 20th century.

Planning began in 1949 for a new building that would house the departments of chemistry and physics and the School of Pharmacy. State Architect Charles Marshall designed this six-story, E-shaped building to be built on the southwest slope of the hill.

Extensive planning was done to accommodate the wiring, plumbing, and ventilation necessary for the various labs and research stations, and the massive structure, which included a science library, cost $3.4 million. 

Malott has housed the departments of chemistry and of physics and astronomy and its observatory; the departments of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Pharmacy; the Molecular Structures Group of laboratories in mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, protein structures and other specialties; administrative offices; faculty and staff offices; classrooms; specialty laboratories and research facilities; the Animal Care Unit; and support and supply services.

Several departments moved to Gray-Little Hall, the new integrated science building, when it opened in summer 2018. These include chemistry, medicinal chemistry, physics, and molecular biosciences.

A new School of Pharmacy Building in the West District was completed in August 2010.