Lang
11/2/24
16 years after the flood of 2008, the University of Iowa finally has plans for revitalizing the former Art Building on North Riverside Drive.
The facility…located across the Iowa Memorial Union footbridge from the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories…was the former home of the UI Stanley Museum of Art up until the flood of ’08. While the museum has since moved to North Madison Street next to the UI Main Library, the original location stood vacant. The building was saved from demolition because of its historical significance.
Earlier this week, UI officials announced they plan to ask the Iowa Board of Regents for permission to proceed with remodeling the 89-year-old building so it can eventually become the future home of the Graduate College, which will vacate Gilmore Hall to devote more space to the growing Tippie College of Business.
Since the 2008 flood, extensive site work has taken place adjacent to the building to protect it from potential rising waters. In addition, the mechanical, electrical, information technology, and elevator systems were relocated to the second floor. Furniture and equipment used in the lower level of the building will be designed to be easily removed if a future flood should threaten.
The revitalization project budget is $37 million. Construction is estimated to be complete by the summer of 2026.
The Graduate College’s School of Planning and Public Affairs and the College of Education’s Art Education and Maker Space also are expected to relocate into the building.