Univ. of Iowa has $60 million plan to move Art Building East

University of Iowa officials want to replace the flood-damaged Art Building East complex at a new site on River Street, at a project cost of about $60 million.

Money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency would cover most of the cost, with the rest coming from insurance proceeds, academic building revenue bonds and UI funds.

UI officials will seek permission from the state Board of Regents next week to proceed with project planning at the new site. The regents meet Wednesday in Cedar Falls. Agenda information was released today.

The proposed site area on River Street is adjacent to the UI arts campus and to Art Building West, which is being recovered and protected from future flooding. The project will require the purchase and demolition of several privately owned structures.

UI officials are looking at the areas both north and south of River Street, with final siting to be decided after additional investigation with the land owners.

UI officials expect a new facility of about 113,000 gross square feet, replacing the old complex of 105,000 gross square feet.

Flood-damaged Hancher Auditorium also will be replaced at a new site, but UI officials will not make a recommendation on that at the August board meeting.