University of Iowa Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony for Health Sciences Academic Building
The new facility is poised to enhance health sciences education with innovative learning spaces and sustainable design.
The University of Iowa recently celebrated the official topping out of its new Health Sciences Academic Building. This traditional construction milestone signals the completion of the building's structural framework, bringing the university one step closer to enhancing its health sciences education infrastructure. Part of a 10-year master plan to expand and modernize the campus, the Health Sciences Academic Building (HSAB), designed by RDG Planning & Design, is a key component of the university's strategic plan to advance health sciences education and research.
"This topping-out ceremony marks a significant day in the construction of the Health Sciences Academic Building," said RDG Architect and Partner Steve King, AIA. "The design of this building reflects our commitment to creating spaces that foster learning, collaboration and innovation. We're honored to work with the University of Iowa to bring their vision to life and support the next generation of health sciences professionals."
RDG's design creates state-of-the-art learning spaces for future growth and supports the university’s ability to attract and retain top students and faculty. A trio of fundamental principles influences RDG's design: continuing a cohesive campus, developing strong relationships with the site and establishing an architecture that reflects the innovative nature of the programs within. Set to be fully completed in summer 2026, the design for the new building encompasses seven stories and 263,000 SF of academic, administrative, clinical, and research space for three of the university's major departments: Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences, and Health and Human Physiology.
Once complete, the HSAB will serve both users and the greater campus academic and student community with innovative spaces that advance health science education in Iowa. RDG is partnering with several firms to bring this project to fruition, including Design Engineers, KPFF Consulting Engineers and Threshold Acoustics; Miron Construction Company Inc. is the construction manager.