Hunter
11/12/24
A University of Iowa building damaged by the flood of 2008 is getting a new life.
The majority of the buildings have been fully repaired or renovated over the years, with the exception of the Art Building. The Daily Iowan reports the university is preparing to renovate the building, with the overall budget for the project set to be about $37 million.
The project includes the mechanical, electrical, IT, and elevator systems being relocated to the second floor. Furniture and equipment on the lower level will be designed to be easily relocated from the building in case of a high-water event, The project will also maintain the integrity of the exterior.
The building was erected in 1936, and was the first building built on the artist campus, west of the Iowa river across the IMU bridge.
Since the 2008 flood, the Art Building has remained vacant.
Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for finance and operations and architect at the UI, said the university worked with FEMA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to discuss future plans for the Art Building.
Since the 2008 flood, the UI has increased flood protection, including a sidewalk system that can quickly and easily accept installing a flood wall barrier system.
The Art Building will become the new location for the UI’s Graduate College, the College of Education’s Art Education and Maker Space, and the School of Planning and Public Affairs.
Renovations are slated to begin next month and finish in July 2026.