Hancher architects narrowed to four

IOWA CITY -- The University of Iowa has chosen four finalists from a pool of 59 applicants for the design of the new Hancher Auditorium.

The finalists are: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects of New Haven, Conn.; Snohetta of New York; Trahan Architects of Baton Rouge, La.; and William Rawn Associates, Architects of Boston.

A final selection will be made following an interview process that concludes in early September, UI officials said today. In April, OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids was selected as the Iowa-based architect-of-record on the project and M.A. Mortenson of Minneapolis was selected as the construction management agent.

Construction is estimated to begin in spring 2012. Based on typical projects of this size and type, and independent of required Federal Emergency Management Agency review processes, there is an expected construction duration of about three years, UI officials said. The building is projected to cost $125 million.

"This is an exceptionally important project, not only for the university, but for our community and the state as well," Rod Lehnertz, director of campus planning and design, said in a statement. "The new site will represent a highly visible gateway welcome to Iowa City and the UI. This places high expectations on the design, and we have assembled four firms that represent the best the world has to offer for this project."

Hancher Auditorium, on the west bank of the Iowa River, was closed following the 2008 flood. The auditorium will be rebuilt at a site just west and north of the old location, out of the floodplain.