Upgrades coming to University of Iowa president’s home, offices

IOWA CITY - The 13,000-square-foot University of Iowa president's house, which stands on a bluff overlooking the Iowa River, is old - 107 years old.

It was built in 1908, for $25,067, and included 16 rooms and four bathrooms. But while its age might provide some historic charm, it also requires upkeep.

With former UI President Sally Mason now retired, and with the search for a new leader nearing its end, now is the time to do it, said Rod Lehnertz, director of planning, design, and construction and interim senior vice president for finance and operations.

'This building is one we intend to care for,” he said.

Planned upgrades during the interim phase are expected to cost about $1.5 million and include upgrades to electrical and plumbing systems, worn finishes and accessories and exterior surfaces. Crews will fix leaks and assess efficiency and safety - including whether windows and lighting should be updated, Lehnertz said.

University officials are set to discuss details of the project with the Board of Regents at its meeting in September, although board approval for projects less than $2 million is not required, according to Lehnertz.

UI also plans to do work on the president's office in Jessup Hall on the Pentacrest. That project, which could cost about $500,000, aims to improve efficiency of the space and create more room for visitors, Lehnertz said.

Details of both projects are being finalized, but the goal is to get moving on design and construction so work can wrap by spring, if not sooner.

With the regents planning to name a new UI president next week, construction likely will overlap with the new president's arrival - potentially requiring interim living and working arrangements.

It wouldn't be the first time, Lehnertz said.

Between former UI presidents Mary Sue Coleman and David Skorton in 2003, the university remodeled the home's main kitchen, upgraded heating and cooling systems and added a two-car garage. That postponed Skorton's move-in until 2004.

In addition to housing the UI president and his or her family in about 1,300 square feet of space on the second floor, the first floor hosts more than 200 university functions and thousands of visitors annually.

Its main level includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, library, sun room and two baths, while the president's living space upstairs includes a living room, study space, four bedrooms and four baths.

The building has a third floor that includes a ballroom, although it's largely unused.

It has been a while since the house has been home to children, Lehnertz said, but it has enough space. The first UI presidential candidate named earlier this week - Marvin Krislov - has three children, including a school-age daughter.

The house underwent renovations in 1997, when a ramp was added to the front, and in 1983, when the heating and plumbing infrastructure was updated. That year, crews also enlarged the kitchen and added a second-floor family room with a kitchenette.

Fun facts:

Famous guests include Meredith Wilson of Music Man; George Gallup, creator of the Gallup Poll; and Prince Bertil of Sweden.

In 1909, when former UI President George MacLean moved in, the living room served as his office.

Until the 1960s, orientation teas for new freshmen were hosted at the home.

In 1976, the Board of Regents passed a resolution requiring UI presidents to live in the house.