Not only does the University of Iowa campus continue to grow, it adapts to the times and improves. The past year has seen a number of projects completed, from brand-new facilities to renovated campus treasures, and the promise of more exciting additions. The photos on this page show just a glimpse of the evolving campus.

Kinnick Stadium

Hawkeye fans kicked off the football season this fall with a new and improved Kinnick Stadium, which had been under renovation for two years. The final phase of the project included demolition and reconstruction of the existing press box, renovation of the east and west concourses, and completion of the south plaza, which includes a statue of Iowa’s 1939 Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Other projects on the UI athletics horizon include a new roof for Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Old Capitol Museum

Many UI students will have their first opportunity to take in a bit of Iowa history this fall. Old Capitol, the building  in which Iowa made the transition from territory to statehood and which remains a centerpiece of the UI campus, finally reopened to the public in May after a 2001 fire destroyed the building’s 160-year-old cupola, dome, and bell. In addition to getting a makeover, the building now offers two new public galleries. Students can explore the building as visitors, attend guest lectures in the Senate Chamber, or sign on as museum volunteers. Details are available at www.uiowa.edu/~oldcap.

IMU River Terrace

The River Terrace project, part of the renovation plan for the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU), was completed in August. The terrace consists of an outdoor amphitheater with a riverside stage and three tiers of limestone walls and grass in between for seating. Gatherings of 300 to 500 people will be able to use the area for concerts,  rallies, catering events, small productions, and student organization fairs. The project is an integral part of River Park, a proposal outlined in the Campus Master Plan that aims to incorporate and protect the river landscape that sweeps through campus.

Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex

The new Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex opened in July on the west side of campus, between Hawkeye Recreation Fields and Hawkeye Drive Apartments. The facility includes 12 outdoor tennis courts, eight indoor courts, a 2,700-square-foot  fitness area, and an outdoor rental and resource  center. An indoor turf field for intramural and club sports will open this fall. The facility is open to UI  students, faculty, and staff and to the public. More information is available at www.recserv.uiowa.edu/geninfo/construction/tennis.htm.

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