Thursday, March 1, 2012
Written by: Lin Larson
Image Gallery

A milestone. That’s how University of Iowa President Sally Mason described development of design concepts for new facilities that will replace flood-damaged Hancher Auditorium, Voxman School of Music/Clapp Recital Hall, and the 1930s-era Art Building.

The Iowa Board of Regents approved the concepts Feb. 7. That evening, Rod Lehnertz, UI director of planning, design and construction, and architects for the arts projects unveiled initial plans to a packed public forum.

model of the new hancher building

Hancher

Site:

  • North of the present building, at least two feet above 500-year floodplain

Structure:

  • Three-level lobby with dramatic views of Iowa River, campus
  • 1,950 seat auditorium with two balconies
  • Separate rehearsal space suitable for programming
  • Designed in scale with neighboring Levitt Center

Schedule:

  • Substantial completion projected for December 2015
Entry of Voxman/Clapp

Voxman School of Music

Site:

  • Downtown Iowa City
  • Main entrance at corner of Burlington and Clinton streets

Structure:

  • Largely glass exterior
  • Second floor auditoriums

Schedule:

  • Substantial completion projected for August 2016
a rendering of the new art building, looking west

Art Building

Site:

  • Just northwest of Art Building West, at least two feet above 500-year floodplain

Structure:

  • Designed for maximum natural light
  • Potential green features like radiant heat, perforated exterior panels that control light and heat

Schedule:

  • Substantial completion projected for April 2016

Additional projects

Iowa Memorial Union

  • Complete lower-level renovation
  • Permanent floodwall integrated into landscaping
  • New exterior terraces

Theatre Building

  • Rooftop addition to house mechanicals

Art Building

  • Removal of 1960s and ’70s additions
  • Preservation of original 1930s building, including Grant Wood studio
  • Adaptive reuse study

Existing Hancher

  • Demolition possible this year
  • Archival documentation of existing building, other Iowa River valley architecture

Initial models and sketches provide only a preview of facilities that will restore campus infrastructure and strengthen arts programs. In March, UI officials will share detailed schematic designs, floor plans, and more.

Gallery
A rendering of the new Art Building's interior.
a rendering of the new art building, looking west
Former Hawkeye coach Tom Davis being honored at CHA
art building model sits in the upper-right corner of this image; art building west is shown in the upper left
A rendering of Hancher's lobby.
The site map for Hancher Auditorium.
A rendering of a flood wall by the Iowa Memorial Union.
This rendering shows the interior of the Voxman School of Music.
a rendering of the main entry for the Voxman School of Music/Clapp Recital Hall
A northwest-facing aerial rendering of the Voxman School of Music/Clapp Recital Hall, which will be located at the intersection of Burlington and Clinton Streets.