Hunter
02/24/24
The University of Iowa is asking the Board of Regents for approval on projects to make improvements to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa Memorial Union and Roy J Carver Pavilion.
The Daily Iowan reports the university is requesting approval to expand the Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by building out level seven. The project would add 28 NICU rooms, a new formula and milk mixing room, and other spaces. The projected cost of the project is $41 million.
The University is also requesting over $2.1 million to upgrade the first floor Medical Research Center. They say the Center is in need of repair and needs a new HVAC and plumbing system, a new lab, and other improvements.
Upon approval, construction is projected to begin in spring 2024 for both projects.
At the IMU, the university wants to renovate the Ballroom on the building’s third floor. It’s been used as a temporary art museum space that is no longer needed with the opening of the new Stanley Museum of Art. The university is asking for funding to repair the vault ceiling and adding new interior finishes to the 5100 square foot space.
Finally, the University seeks approval to replace an air handling unit on the lower level of the Roy J. Carver Pavilion. Officials say the current unit is unreliable and is not energy efficient. They’re asking for $3.6 million to replace the unit, and say $1.5 million in building renewal costs would be eliminated if the purchase is approved.
The Regents will consider the requests Wednesday at their meeting in Urbandale.