The University of Iowa’s nationally renowned Hancher Auditorium was destroyed by the devastating Flood of 2008, which damaged 20 major university buildings and the campus utility infrastructure.

The UI replaced the fine-arts venue on the same parcel of land but on higher ground. Estimated project cost is $180 million.

OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was chosen as the lead local architectural firm by the university for the Hancher project. Pelli Clarke, Pelli Architects, based in New Haven, Conn., was selected as the architect.

MMS Consultants, Inc. was selected by the University of Iowa to provide a complete topographical and boundary survey for the Hancher Auditorium complex. The survey provided the architects with necessary information to design the new facility.

Some of the critical information required was the flood plain boundaries, such as the 100-year flood elevation and the 500-year flood elevation. Boundary lines and all above- and below-ground utilities were identified as well. All existing features with elevations were required on the final survey as well.

Construction of the new auditorium began in 2014. It opened on September 9, 2016.