UI Health Care is expanding its downtown Iowa City footprint by demolishing a 40-year-old building and relocating a popular training program.
The University of Iowa and UIHC are seeking approval from the Iowa Board of Regents at its September meeting to acquire a former Mercy Hospital property. They also hope to relocate the Emergency Medical (EMS) Learning Resource Center to the downtown Capital Centre.
UIHC to purchase final former Mercy property
UI Health Care assumed control of Mercy’s 14 healthcare buildings in Iowa City, North Liberty, Kalona, Tipton, and Williamsburg in January 2024. The university hospital is asking the Board of Regents to approve the purchase of Mercy’s last standing property at 601 E. Bloomington St.
The building near Zion Lutheran Church, ELCA, is the only Mercy Iowa City property UI Health Care does not own. The purchase price of $1.2 million is funded by UI Health Care’s earnings and equity.
The site includes a parking lot and a 12,800 square foot building built in 1985 that “has not been in active use for several years,” and “does not comply with modern standards for medical use,” according to board documents.
UIHC plans to raze the structure to create a more “cost-effective, flexible, and future-oriented solution.” The land will be used for parking and future medical services.
Relocating EMS Learning Resource Center will cost nearly $4 million
UIHC is also seeking approval for a $3.9 million project to move its EMS Learning Resource Center from the main hospital’s south wing to the second floor of the University Capital Centre.
The Iowa Board of Regents approved the University of Iowa’s acquisition of the mall in October 2024 for $20.6 million. The university previously held a 55% stake in the mall, which houses administrative and student service offices.
The hospital said relocating the EMS Learning Resource Center will accommodate “operational growth and expansion of the central nursing telemetry monitoring units that serve the (Iowa City) and North Liberty hospital campuses,” according to board documents.
The $3.9 million price tag will eliminate “$200,000 in deferred maintenance costs,” providing the university-led training program with new classrooms, breakout rooms, offices, and support space.
The renovation is expected to start in October and finish in March, funded by UI Health Care’s earnings and equity fund.
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, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: UI Health Care plans to move EMS program downtown, raze Mercy building. What to know
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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