The University of Iowa has launched site preparation for its $2.2 billion Patient Care Tower, the state’s largest and most expensive construction project. Spanning 842,000 square feet, the tower will feature surgical platforms, tunnels, and skywalks. Construction begins in 2026, with completion expected in 2032 under JE Dunn and Neumann Monson.
Demolition and Site Preparation Underway
To make room for this massive project, demolition crews have begun clearing the build site. The old parking ramp will be replaced by the new Hawkeye Parking Ramp north of Kinnick Stadium. Meanwhile, ENGIE North America is constructing a modern water tower near Carver-Hawkeye Arena to replace the older structure. Additionally, the Speech and Hearing Center is relocating to the new Health Sciences Academic Building. Beyond clearing the site, the enabling phase also includes upgrading essential utilities and preparing for a new concourse that will link the tower to the existing hospital. In addition to a skywalk, an inpatient surgery platform, and a tunnel for support services.
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Construction Timeline and Oversight
After site preparation wraps up this fall, mass excavation and foundation work are scheduled to begin in January 2026. Actual tower construction is slated for December 2026, with completion targeted for 2032. The project’s sheer scale has prompted the Board of Regents to solicit proposals from independent auditing firms to monitor cost verification, contract compliance, and payment processes. Leaders have also said they will assess funding feasibility later this year, especially if federal reimbursement policies change, reflecting trends seen across other key healthcare construction projects in the United States.
A Campus and Community Story
Beyond cranes and construction, the project is stirring memories and a sense of progress among longtime staff and community members. For nearly five decades, patients and families have parked in the soon-to-be-demolished ramp and walked past the landmark water tower. One retired nurse recently shared memories of helping thousands of patients through the Speech Center’s doors, a testament to the campus’s legacy of care. Further, as new infrastructure rises, planners are gathering stories from staff to integrate into the tower’s design. They are ensuring the project honors both history and the promise of better healthcare for generations to come.
The Iowa Patient Care Tower Project Overview
Project Name: University of Iowa Patient Care Tower
Cost: $2.2 billion, Iowa’s most expensive construction project
Size: 842,000 square feet
Location: University of Iowa Healthcare campus, Iowa City
General Contractor: JE Dunn Construction
Architect: Neumann Monson Architects
Timeline: Site work started 2025, construction begins 2026, completion expected 2032
Demolition: Parking ramp, water tower, and Speech & Hearing Center cleared for site
Features: Surgery platform, skywalk, tunnel to support services, shelled space for future expansion
Oversight: Independent auditors monitoring costs, contracts, and compliance
