The University of California at Berkeley originally built the building in 1923 as a high school, but by the 1980's, it had fallen into disuse and disrepair. When the building came into CHORI’s care in 1999, however, it still retained what architects call “good bones” under all its peeling paint and boarded-up windows.

CHORI architects were able to retrofit state-of-the-art laboratory facilities while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the building’s original design. Within its 80,000 square feet of space, CHORI’s facilities are equipped for biochemistry, hematology, molecular biology, immunology, mass spectrometry, genetics, genomics, cell biology research, and microscopy. All essential equipment and facilities are backed up by emergency power and critical systems such as freezers and incubators are monitored 24 hours a day.

Offering the highest standard of excellence in research facilities, CHORI also honors its historical aesthetics. CHORI’s renovation was recognized with a Governor’s Award of Excellence in Historic Preservation and the annual Award of Excellence from the prestigious Woodwork Institute of California.

The result is a unique combination of art and science, history and technology – a collaborative nexus, like CHORI itself, and an unparalleled environment in which to conduct the world-class research for which CHORI is known.