University of Iowa to Restore Art Facility

November 7, 2008

Despite the risk that the Iowa River could overflow its banks again, the University of Iowa says it will restore a flood-damaged art building.

Officials say that's because the need for space outweighs the risk that the Art Building West will flood again before protections are put in place.

Record flooding in June caused $12 million in damage to the $21.5 million building.

The university's flood mitigation task force recommended the building be restored because of the space needs of the art and art history programs.

University President Sally Mason has approved the estimated $5 million project. The building is scheduled to reopen by December 2009