UI unveils plan for revitalizing old Art Building

Pending approval by the Iowa Board of Regents, the university plans to revitalize the old Art Building for use by the Graduate College

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

The University of Iowa is seeking permission from the Iowa Board of Regents to proceed with remodeling the old Art Building, once a vibrant part of the university's arts campus that has been vacant since the 2008 flood, to become the future home of the Graduate College.

The original Art Building was saved from the 2008 flood because of its historical significance. Several preliminary plans for the building's use were identified in the years since the flood, but none took hold.

The old Art Building under construction in 1935. F.W. Kent Collection, University Arhives.

Now, as the UI moves forward with its 10-year facilities master plan, the building has been identified as the future home of the Graduate College, which will vacate Gilmore Hall to devote more space to the growing Tippie College of Business.

"The Graduate College is excited to move to the old Art Building, where the modernized space will serve as a central hub for graduate students," says Amanda Thein, dean of the Graduate College. "It will offer a welcoming environment for meeting with staff and engaging in professional development, community-building, and networking opportunities."

Iowa's Graduate College makes up nearly one-fifth of the university's enrollment, supporting graduate education campuswide. The college provides professional development and career preparation for graduate students, allocates fellowship funding, manages policies and procedures for graduate programs, and confers most UI graduate degrees. It also administers interdisciplinary programs in fields ranging from genetics to book arts, a point of distinction for the college.

The Art Building, which was built during the Great Depression, was the first of its kind to bring together the then revolutionary study of art and art history and studio art courses, called the Iowa Idea. Renowned artist Grant Wood taught and worked in the building from the time it opened in 1936 until just before his death in 1942.

After the 2008 flood extensively damaged the building, the UI and the Federal Emergency Management Agency agreed that it would be restored later when a programmatic need was identified.

Since that time, extensive site work has taken place adjacent to the building to protect it from potential rising waters, including a new sidewalk system that can support the erection of a HESCO wall barrier system used in emergency flood events. 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.

Project budget is $37 million. Construction is estimated to be complete by summer 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 locate in the building.