Graduate College Building renovation moves closer to completion

Renovation of the old art building, now named the Graduate College Building, is expected to be substantially complete in late November. The modernization is transforming the former art building into a new home for the Graduate College and other university programs while preserving much of the building’s existing art deco architectural details. The Graduate College Building is expected to begin welcoming faculty, staff, and students in the spring 2027 semester. 

Construction set to begin on Tippie College of Business expansion 

Groundbreaking for the Tippie College of Business expansion will take place on Sept. 18. The project will expand and modernize Tippie’s facilities by building an addition, renovating Gilmore Hall, and connecting the buildings with a new glass atrium. Starting in early fall, students, faculty, and staff can expect to see construction fencing, signage, materials, and equipment arriving at the site. The project will be completed in five continuous phases, with the final phase expected to conclude in late summer 2028. 

Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories renovation continues  

Construction continues on the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories addition, including masonry and structural work expected this fall. The project is renovating existing space and adding a four-story wing with new classrooms, labs, offices, meeting spaces, and gathering areas for the Department of Computer Science. Interior renovation work on the first and second floors also is progressing with HVAC, electrical, and drywall. Renovation of the building’s entry area is expected to be complete in September and will create a new vending area, mailroom, and display area. The full project is scheduled for completion in summer 2027. 

Quad Green improvements move toward fall completion  

Site preparation for the Quad Green renovation is nearing completion, allowing sidewalk installation and work on the new pickleball and basketball courts to move forward. The project is transforming Quad Green into a new outdoor recreation and gathering space for students. 
Remaining work includes adding lighting and sidewalks, completing pickleball and basketball courts, installing three ping-pong tables, and finishing the new pavilion and landscaping. Quad Green will preserve some of the space’s history, including an entrance that incorporates the original gates from Quadrangle Residence Hall and a hackberry tree estimated to be 150 years old. The project is scheduled to be complete in mid-October. 

Iowa Memorial Union modernization continues  

Renovation of the Iowa Memorial Union continues as the first phase of the project approaches completion this August. The renovation will modernize student spaces throughout the IMU, including a new student health and wellness center, renovated dining areas, updated meeting and lounge spaces, and improved navigation throughout the building. The second and final phase of the renovation is expected to be complete in August 2027. 

Dance Building reaches substantial completion 

The Dance Building, formerly the Performing Arts Annex, reached substantial completion in August. The project renovated a portion of the building to create modern spaces tailored to the needs of the Department of Dance. Furniture and equipment are being moved in as final testing and cleaning work is completed. Work also is underway on the recently added Dancer’s Garden on the east side of the building, with completion expected in early September and sidewalk improvements expected to be finished before the start of classes. Classes began in the building this fall and a dedication will take place Sept. 24. The building is the university’s old museum of art, which was destroyed in a 2008 flood. A new art museum opened at Burlington and Madison streets in 2022, while this building has been largely vacant for the past 18 years. The renovations to return the building to campus use were paid for by P3 funds. 

Health Sciences Academic Building ready for students  

The new Health Sciences Academic Building reached substantial completion over the summer and is ready for use by three university departments this fall. The new six-level building brings together three health science programs — Communication Sciences and Disorders; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and Health, Sport, and Human Physiology — with academic, clinical, research, and teaching spaces. The building includes new teaching and research labs, a rooftop adaptive play space, and other experiential-learning spaces. A dedication ceremony is planned for Sept. 2.