Student Center Renovation Project
The Student Center is in the midst of a major renovation project, slated to be complete in 2022. Read more about the design and enhancements, plus how the work will temporarily impact students and employees on campus.
Our architects, OPN Architects and Workshop Architects, and our campus steering committee have worked hard on the renovation plan and addition for Iowa Hall and Mansfield Center, along with improvements to the Library façade and adjacent green space.
Creating a true student center provides a central place for students to gather, connect, and find community. This project promises to transform the student experience through improved service and support; diverse peer interaction; improved amenities and conveniences; and better space for study, relaxation, and entertainment.
The project teams have sought significant input from students, faculty, and staff in all parts of the process of the new student center in an effort to create a student-centric building. All involved desire a place for students to call their own, a place of pride that honors the innovative history of Kirkwood and its potential to impact the lives of our students in the future.
The project includes a complete renovation of all three floors of Iowa Hall and Mansfield Center and additions to the north and south of the building. The new Student Center will include features such as:
- Study and leisure areas
- Centralized welcome desk and information station
- New campus store
- Centralized student services
- Larger, state-of-the-art meeting space
- Flexible and collaborative meeting space
- New multicultural and LGBTQ centers
- Enhanced cafe and new coffee bar
- New International Programs and ELA offices
- New and expanded Veterans Lounge
- Improved Art Gallery and new Fine Arts District
Temporary Office and Staff Locations
The planning team appreciates the work of faculty and staff, especially those who have been asked to relocate from their existing spaces in other buildings to accommodate the relocated Iowa Hall departments. Faculty and staff have been flexible, creative, and have remained focused on meeting student needs throughout the decision-making process.
The main Café closed operations on December 13, 2019. The Café location in Linn Hall is open, with an additional location in the Bookstore in Benton Hall. Both will offer menu options comprised of grab-and-go items such as: sandwiches, salads, fruits and vegetables, pastry items, and coffee.
Catering arrangements may be made by contacting The Hotel. While we anticipate continuing to meet many catering needs of departments, there may be some cases when The Hotel cannot accommodate a catering request. In these instances, The Hotel staff will assist in securing an off campus catering option to meet the needs of our teams.
After Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, U.S. Bank and the ATM will be closed. An additional ATM can be found on main campus in the Hotel lobby.
| Department | Temporary Location |
|---|---|
| Academic Affairs | 3067 Cedar Hall |
| Admissions | 2nd Floor Kirkwood Hall (One Stop) |
| Advising and Transfer Center | 2nd Floor Kirkwood Hall (One Stop) |
| Career Services | 2092 Cedar Hall |
| College Resource Officer (CRPD) | 2nd Floor Kirkwood Hall (One Stop) |
| Costume Storage | 307 Benton Hall |
| Counseling Services | 2092 Cedar Hall |
| Dean of Students | 2nd Floor Kirkwood Hall (One Stop) |
| Facilities and Security | Room 126B, Facilities & Security Building |
| Foundation | The Hotel at Kirkwood Center |
| Grants Department | 225 Nielsen Hall |
| IE/IR | 236/237A/131D Nielsen Hall |
| KCELT | 2167 Linn Hall |
| Mail Services | Previous Auto Tech Space |
| Student concerns and assistance | 2nd Floor Kirkwood Hall (One Stop) |
| Student Life | Rec Center |
| Veterans Lounge | 119 Nielsen Hall |
| Vice President Student Services | 351 Benton Hall |
| Writing Center | 2080 Cedar Hall |
Employee Impact
The Iowa Hall and Mansfield complex is an important hub of activity at Kirkwood. Nearly all employees, students, and visitors will see and feel the impact of this improvement project. While the project promises to have a major impact on the student experience, we must recognize the challenges.
From the beginning our team has seen this initiative as more than a building project. We are asking departments and employees to think differently about their work and how to best support students both during the renovation and beyond. Needless to say any project of this magnitude doesn’t come without sacrifices. Our focus continues to be on long-term improvement and the strategic goal of improving student success, and our mission will be accomplished through continued focus on our goals and by keeping the needs of students at the forefront of our thinking.
Wayfinding Videos
Washington Hall will be completely renovated and updated, with the final phase being projected for completion December 2020. Project highlights include:
- 23,000 sq. ft. of shop space added for the Diesel Technology program
- Enhancement of student common space for individual and group use
- Addition of simulator rooms to accommodate current and future simulators for combine and sprayer operation
- Updating of auditorium and specialized classrooms to be more flexible learning spaces
The renovation of the Recreation Center is complete. Project highlights include:
- 4,000 sq. ft. weight room
- Additions of: 5 Power Lift combo racks, 2 Intek dumbbell sets and barbells, leg press, posterior chain, curl bench, and 2 dual stack functional trainers
- 1,300 sq. ft. multi-purpose room for fitness classes such as yoga and pilates
Students in the Automotive Technology program began using the new space fall 2019. Project highlights include:
- Enhanced lab space, including an increase to the number of automotive service bays
- Updated classrooms, with enough space to fit a vehicle for training
- Addition of the Chassis Dynamometer and Transmission Dynamometer allowing for measurement of horsepower torque, wheel speed, and engine systems
Renovation FAQs
Tentative completion is scheduled in fall 2022.
No, your tuition cost will not change as a result of the renovations. In 2017, voters passed a $60 million bond issue that covers the cost.
The new Student Center will be the main hub of campus! It’s a place designed for Kirkwood students to hang out, study, meet up with student clubs or organizations, or get the help you need from your academic advisor or career coach.
Potentially, but you’ll be notified in advance, so you can plan ahead.
As the renovation progresses, parking to the south of Iowa Hall will be reduced.
The services previously found in Iowa Hall will still be available. They will be housed in the temporary locations.
If you have questions about the renovation projects, please reach out to us at updates@kirkwood.edu.