The University of Iowa is seeking permission from the Iowa Board of Regents to proceed with remodeling the old Art Building, once a vibrant part of the university’s arts campus that has been vacant since the 2008 flood, to become the future home of the Graduate College.

The original Art Building was saved from the 2008 flood because of its historical significance. Several preliminary plans for the building’s use were identified in the years since the flood, but none took hold. 

Now, as the UI moves forward with its 10-year facilities master plan, the building has been identified as the future home of the Graduate College, which will vacate Gilmore Hall to devote more space to the growing Tippie College of Business.

Project budget is $37 million. Construction is estimated to be complete by summer 2026.