It’s nearly show time. And the replacement of Hancher Auditorium, the UI's largest flood-recovery project, is all but ready for the spotlight.

To push the new performing-arts venue toward a June 2016 completion, construction workers are at the site most hours of the day. Inside, the flooring and seating have been installed; outside, much of the landscaping and roadwork is done. Although some scaffolding remains inside as the wood ceilings are installed, it’s not hard to imagine the building hosting its first performance in just a few short months. (Find out who is coming for the venue’s inaugural season.)

The 192,000-square-foot building—designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and OPN Architects, with construction management provided by Mortenson Construction—is located just north of its flood-damaged predecessor, still along the Iowa River but at a level approximately seven feet above the 500-year flood level. The project includes a large 1,800-seat theater, a rehearsal hall, front-of-house and back-of-house support spaces, administrative offices, a café, and an outdoor terrace. The UI Division of Performing Arts also will maintain offices and a costume and scene shop in the facility.