New Health Sciences Academic Building breaks ground in Iowa City

The University of Iowa recently broke ground on its Health Sciences Academic Building, a 263,000-square-foot, six story unit on the northeast corner of Melrose and South Grand Avenues in Iowa City. Oct. 31 was a cold and gusty day, and University of Iowa students, faculty, staff and members of the public gathered on the third […]

The University of Iowa recently broke ground on its Health Sciences Academic Building, a 263,000-square-foot, six story unit on the northeast corner of Melrose and South Grand Avenues in Iowa City. Oct. 31 was a cold and gusty day, and University of Iowa students, faculty, staff and members of the public gathered on the third floor of the Gerdin Athletic Center to hear president Barbara J. Wilson and guest speakers make some remarks.

“It’s going to be a facility that enhances our educational opportunities and clinical opportunities,” Ms. Wilson said. Speakers included Gary Pierce, professor and chair of the department of Health and Human Physiology; Richard Shields, professor, chair and DEO of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences; and Eric Hunter, professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The budgeted $249 million building will house academic, administrative, clinical, and research space for the Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences, Health and Human Physiology, and classroom building occupants.  The project is being funded in part by a combination of University Hospitals Building Usage Funds, university investment income, and private donations, with no state funds being used.

The Health Sciences Building will be a much-needed space for the communication sciences and disorders program. The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences department has long outgrown its current home in the Medical Education Building due to the 33% growth in enrollment over the past several years. Health and Human Physiology, the largest department within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, had more than 2,200 undergraduates and 100 graduate students enrolled in 2022. All of these departments have been highly ranked in the U.S. News & World Report, with a No. 2 ranking in audiology and a No. 6 ranking in speech-language pathology. Notably, the university has the state’s only Doctor of Audiology program. “I’m so excited about what the future holds,” said Mr. Shields. Mr. Hunter said the building represents more than just a brick-and-mortar experience for students.  “Students can have (access to) cutting-edge, state-of-the-art equipment,” he said, noting that the UI has contributed greatly to the health and well-being of Iowa residents.