University of Iowa Selects Mortenson for World Class Performing Arts Center

Minneapolis, MN — Mortenson is pleased to announce its selection for the Hancher Auditorium replacement project on the University of Iowa campus. The Hancher Auditorium has delivered exceptional performances to more than 4 million patrons and educated more than 20,000 children through its arts and education program.  After the devasting floods of 2008, the facility was pronounced unusable, and performances and education programs are now conducted among eleven different venues within the community.

FEMA has granted a total replacement of the 300,000 sf facility because it was over 50% damaged. The selection of the Iowa-based architect-of-record, OPN Architects, took place concurrently with the selection of the construction manager. The selection of a national design architect, who specializes in performing arts and music, will be the next step in assembling the team. Preconstruction is estimated to begin summer 2010 with the start of construction slated to begin in late 2011 or early 2012.

The facility will feature a multi-purpose proscenium theatre, front-of-house support space and administrative offices. The large theatre will be designed for commercial productions and equipped to accommodate music, dance, opera and theatrical productions. LEED Platinum certification will also be pursued for this project.