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The Reuben-Cooke Building Renovation

Explore the Duke Reuben-Cooke Building Renovation with LeChase. This microsite will serve as a dedicated space for project updates, historical insights, and a glimpse into the future enhancements that will shape the legacy of this iconic structure.

FROM BOTANY TO SOCIOLOGY:

The Evolution of the Reuben-Cooke Building

Built in the early 1930’s and renamed in 2020 after Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke, the Reuben-Cooke Building is one of Duke’s original West Campus buildings. The building exterior has been maintained in its original condition of stone façade and steel casement windows of the Collegiate Gothic architecture. Constructed for the Botany and Zoology departments, the building has been renovated many times over the years and currently houses the Departments of Sociology, Psychology & Neuroscience.

REVITALIZING A LEGACY:

Project Scope

The Reuben-Cooke Building, a 92-year-old facility, is one of nine buildings included in Duke's improvement plan. This project will replace the old roof and upgrade outdated systems. It will also add modern classrooms and larger common areas. A display in the lobby will honor Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke, one of Duke's first Black undergraduate students. Design for the Reuben-Cooke Building upgrade began in the Fall 2023. Construction will begin in the summer of 2025. The plan is to maintain the building's historical value while aligning it with the university's goals. Duke is focusing on upgrading existing science and academic facilities to meet current and future programmatic needs and support Duke's climate action commitment.