Having abandoned plans to sell its “last-chosen and first-transferred-from” Mayflower Residence Hall, the University of Iowa is looking to spend $2.4 million to transform the 57-year-old former apartment complex’s ground floor.
Proposed renovations going before the Board of Regents next week include an open study lounge with adjacent small-group study rooms; an expanded fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward Iowa City Park and the Iowa River; and a centralized vending area.
“These renovations aim to optimize functionality and create a more welcoming, student success-centered environment,” according to the project proposal, which officials said aligns with a broader UI goal to “reinvest wisely in existing facilities to extend their life and provide a high-quality student experience.”
UI officials two years ago told regents they planned to sell the 326,000-square-foot property along N. Dubuque Street due to its mile separation from the main campus’ academic buildings, food service amenities, and other residence hall neighborhoods.
“For first-year students, it is the last-chosen and first-transferred-from residence hall,” according to the campus’ master housing plan summary in 2023. The hope was to sell Mayflower for $45 million and then build a new $40 to $60 million residence hall specifically for returning students — as most halls prioritize freshmen.
At that time, officials suggested Mayflower’s final year would be the 2024-25 term — pulling 1,032 beds offline, some of which would have been replaced with the new hall.
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Proposed renovations going before the Board of Regents next week include an open study lounge with adjacent small-group study rooms; an expanded fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward Iowa City Park and the Iowa River; and a centralized vending area.
“These renovations aim to optimize functionality and create a more welcoming, student success-centered environment,” according to the project proposal, which officials said aligns with a broader UI goal to “reinvest wisely in existing facilities to extend their life and provide a high-quality student experience.”
‘Continue to use Mayflower’
UI officials two years ago told regents they planned to sell the 326,000-square-foot property along N. Dubuque Street due to its mile separation from the main campus’ academic buildings, food service amenities, and other residence hall neighborhoods.
“For first-year students, it is the last-chosen and first-transferred-from residence hall,” according to the campus’ master housing plan summary in 2023. The hope was to sell Mayflower for $45 million and then build a new $40 to $60 million residence hall specifically for returning students — as most halls prioritize freshmen.
At that time, officials suggested Mayflower’s final year would be the 2024-25 term — pulling 1,032 beds offline, some of which would have been replaced with the new hall.
Having aborted sale plans, University of Iowa eyes upgrades to Mayflower Hall
Proposed renovations going before the Board of Regents next week include an open study lounge with adjacent small-group study rooms; an expanded fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out toward Iowa City Park and the Iowa River; and a centralized vending area.
www.thegazette.com
