University of Iowa seeks residential property, expanded parking

In addition to other proposals brought before the Board of Regents Feb. 22, the University of Iowa is attempting to purchase a $420,000 property with a three-bedroom home at 9 Melrose Place. The university hopes to acquire the property to expand the existing UIHC surface parking lot to the east, as well as vacate the public street. "This will be essential when we move forward with the bed tower ... to have additional parking capacity at the hospital," said David Kieft, UI business manager for campus planning and development, during the meeting. In January 2022, the Board of Regents approved a long-term plan to construct a hospital bed tower, teaching and research building and an ambulatory care building. Land on both sides of the property and across the street is owned by the University of Iowa. The property at 9 Melrose Place was not bought in 2011 and 2012 like the surrounding lots, but the property owner approached the university about a sale recently, agenda documents show. "It is certainly a strategic purchase and parking is very much in demand in that area," said Board of Regents member David Barker. There were no adverse findings found in an environmental report, said Mr. Kieft. During the same meeting, the university set forth a plan to replace windows at the Stead Children's Hospital for $45 million and sell Mayflower Residence Hall.