Board Approves Funding to Start University of Iowa Health Care $2 Billion Hospital Project

 KEY POINTS

• The Iowa Board of Regents approved funding for preconstruction work to start a new $2 billion University of Iowa Health Care patient tower.

• Preconstruction activities include entrance renovations, skywalk realignment, utility upgrades, and demolition of key structures to prepare the site for the tower build.

• The multi-phase project at the Iowa City campus is expected to continue through 2032.

The University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) is moving ahead with preliminary construction work for a new patient care tower, which is estimated to take years to build and cost over $2 billion. The expansion will increase hospital capacity at the Iowa City campus and modernize facilities to meet growing statewide demand.

The Iowa Board of Regents approved funding last week for preliminary construction work to begin, KCRG reported.

Multi-year, Multi-phase Construction 

The UIHC patient tower project is a multi-year, multi-phase construction effort that will reshape the hospital’s ability to deliver care for decades.

Preliminary construction activities include major demolition and infrastructure upgrades, and construction on the new building is anticipated to continue through 2032.

Officials said on the UIHC website that “The construction of a new patient care tower is critical to our ability to meet the health care needs of Iowans for years to come, and we are excited that we are ready to begin the first phase of work to prepare the site.”

Enabling Projects Get the Go-Ahead

Before the tower construction starts, several enabling projects will advance following the approval by the Board of Regents. These preparatory works include: 

• Entrance Renovations: Multiple hospital entrances are being renovated to ensure smooth access for patients and visitors once the Main Entrance closes (and enable the tower build to proceed). These improvements will help maintain convenient entry points during construction.

• New Skywalk Alignment: Beginning in spring 2026 and continuing through summer 2026, an existing skywalk will be realigned and connected to a new hospital entry point. This project will improve pedestrian flow and accessibility between buildings.

• Main Entry Canopy Demolition: The existing main entry canopy is scheduled for demolition in spring 2026, making way for future construction and the development of the new main entrance.

• Early Phase Utility and Site Work: Starting this summer, a series of utility and site upgrades will begin. These include enhancements to the sewer and stormwater systems and the maneuvering of electrical lines.

A fall 2024 image of the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center with the main hospital building at right, the to-be-demolished water tower at left, and the skywalk at center. A new multi-year $2 billion patient tower is planned for construction on the site. Image: University of Iowa Healthcare (UIHC)

Health care officials said the foundational improvements are essential for the hospital’s long-term growth and modernization.

Other enabling projects given the go-ahead include the demolition of Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center, Parking Ramp 1, and the water tower.

A map of the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, where a new patient tower will be constructed in a multi-year, multiple-phase $2 billion build. Image: University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC)

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