Preserve and Enhance the Unique Identity of the Campus
The University of Iowa campus has several distinctive characteristics that have long been cherished by those who experience them. Today's challenge is to plan for continued growth, while simultaneously securing and enhancing important landmarks and symbols.
To develop and maintain the unique identity of the University, its physical assets, both natural and cultural, should be protected and enhanced through careful planning. The Pentacrest, the Iowa River corridor, the relationship of the campus to downtown Iowa City, and the natural communities in the Finkbine Campus and Hawkeye Campus areas are character-defining features of the campus that possess enduring cultural, ecological and aesthetic value.
The Pentacrest
The Pentacrest should be recognized and protected as the most significant character-defining feature of the campus plan. It is the historic heart of the University and the central focal point of the main campus. It is the location of five major campus buildings: Old Capitol, Schaeffer Hall, MacLean Hall, Macbride Hall, and Jessup Hall. Future plans for this area are renewal and revitalization for both the buildings and the landscape.
Historic Old CapitolThe Old Capitol reopened to the public May 6, 2006. It is estimated that
40,000 people will tour Old Capitol every year. In addition, many
University functions are held within its limestone walls, and the Senate Chamber is a popular site for doctoral dissertation defenses.
Iowa River
The Iowa River corridor provides a framework of quality open space and a unique identity for the University. The topographic change along the river and the quarter-mile-wide concave open space of the river valley add an element of drama, spaciousness and grand scale to the campus. With campus buildings lining both sides of the river, this majestic landscape is a spacious common. The full potential of the river landscape is in the process of being realized.
River Park
The Campus Master Plan attempts to address the river and the landscape as one dynamic, interactive, and ecological system. It is proposed that the banks of the Iowa River be protected and developed into a naturalistic campus park to maximize enjoyment of the river landscape as both a passive recreation resource and a passageway for pedestrians and bicyclists. The River Park area where it is practical to develop this concept, is an area of approximately 150 acres. The plan will minimize the visual presence of parking lots and buildings and enhance the woody vegetation that exists naturally.
IMU Renovation and River Terrace
IMU renovation included construction of a river terrace immediately west of the IMU to provide a stronger connection between the building and the Iowa River. This terrace area provides a student gathering space and a venue for small concerts and plays.
Relationship to Downtown Iowa City
The University of Iowa's relationship to Iowa City is rich and diverse. Downtown Iowa City provides a place where friends meet, bands play, displays are
placed, rallies are staged, and people come to watch other people
or just relax between classes. The plaza offers an opportunity to integrate university culture with
the campus spatial structure, as well as providing a public place
for memorials or recognition ceremonies.
Finkbine and Hawkeye Campus Natural Areas
The Finkbine Golf Course and the natural areas west of Carver-Hawkeye Arena are attractive landscapes and contribute significantly to the naturalistic character that typifies this part of campus. The Hawkeye Softball Complex and Cretzmeyer Track open spaces are consistent with the undeveloped character of the Finkbine Area. The Hawkeye Campus open space structure is defined by extensive natural woodlands, wetlands and remnant prairie on Clear Creek, and extensive former agricultural fields and wooded areas along its west boundary.
Facilities Management director for Planning, Design & Construction Services
