Nearly three years after University of Iowa Health Care assumed control of the former Mercy Hospital in downtown Iowa City, it is investing further to better support patients, visitors, and staff.
UI Health Care’s request to build a new $40 million parking ramp near the downtown hospital was approved by the Iowa Board of Regents on Tuesday, June 16.
The facility will replace the existing 430-stall parking ramp with a new 455-stall parking facility with five levels. The project will “improve parking accessibility and operational support” for hospital staff and visitors.
The new parking ramp will sit along North Van Buren Street, between East Market Street and East Jefferson Street, adjacent to the UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown campus. The structure will include entrances and exits from North Van Buren Street, covered bicycle parking on level one, pedestrian access to the street level, and a connection to the skywalk on level two.
The $40 million investment will be funded through UI Health Care earnings and equity, and the UI Parking System’s operating income and reserves. The project is estimated to eliminate $5 million in deferred maintenance costs, according to board documents.
When will construction start in downtown Iowa City?
Ramp construction will happen in two phases. Phase one, which includes the demolition of the existing structure, is planned for November through February 2027. Construction of the new facility is expected to start shortly after the razing and wrap by February 2028, about a year later.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Downtown UIHC hospital will get $40M parking ramp upgrade
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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By Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen | USA TODAY Network
