The Arctic Health Research Building was completed in 1973. The building was renovated in June 2002 with funding from state and federal research grants to revitalize and improve UAF’s science laboratory space. This renovation created a state-of-the-art microbiology lab and a larger, more efficient lab support space, greatly enhancing research and academic programs.

Originally planned to house the U.S. Public Health Service's Bureau of Disease Prevention and Environmental Control offices in Alaska, the building now houses laboratories and offices for the School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, the State of Alaska Virology Laboratory and lab and office space for other UAF departments. It also houses extensive biosciences and geosciences libraries and the West Ridge Café.