University of Iowa Health Care is placing greater emphasis on childcare in its latest project.
An $8.9 million childcare facility was approved by the Iowa Board of Regents on Tuesday, June 16. The center will serve 104 children, replacing the existing UI Healthcare facility at Westlawn along Newton Road, which is also used by Carver College of Medicine faculty and staff.
Westlawn is scheduled for demolition as part of the University of Iowa’s 10-year facilities master plan due to “extensive deferred maintenance needs and costs.” The project will eliminate $2.3 million in deferred maintenance costs, according to board documents.
Bright Horizons operates the Westlawn facility and will take the reins at the new childcare center. The local organization provided “substantial input,” according to board documents.
The 9,600-square-foot facility will be built west of Parking Lot 49, near the UIHC Pomerantz Family Pavilion. It will also include classrooms, office space, a conference room, a kitchen and outdoor playgrounds. The university evaluated potential locations for more than a year, hoping to remain close to the healthcare campus.
Student housing demolition paves way for new UIHC childcare center
Two small duplexes at 10-11 and 13-14 Melrose Place, owned by the University of Iowa, need to be demolished before the childcare facility is built, which the Regents approved on Tuesday.
The properties are more than 60 years old and were acquired by the university in 2010. The duplexes have been leased to University of Iowa students “pending future redevelopment plans,” according to board documents.
The leases end on July 31.
Demolition will take place this summer, while building construction is expected to continue through spring 2027.
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: UI Health Care to raze student housing for new childcare facility
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
