UNI Commons Modernization

At its June meeting, the Board of Regents will consider approval of the UNI Commons Modernization project. If approved, the project will renovate and modernize the UNI Commons to house the Center for Civic Education. 

Built in 1932, the Commons building at UNI has undergone only minor improvements since its renovation in 1965. One of the most prominent buildings on campus, the Commons has long served as a center point for civic and community building. It previously hosted a campus dining center, the UNI Foundation and its Slife Ballroom was often used for Board of Regents meetings.  

If approved, the renovation would feature a new, more prominent entrance, improved ADA access, interior and exterior finishes and technology system upgrades. These improvements would renew the building’s role as a showpiece for the university and pave the way for the UNI’s Center for Civic Education. 

The center, which received Board approval last September, was proposed in response to the Board’s directive to the universities to “establish a widespread initiative that includes opportunities for education and research on free speech and civic education.” The center will promote civic learning through curricular innovation and professional development, conduct research on free speech and civic education, develop online courses on free speech and civic education for faculty and staff, and provide free speech and civic learning resources to Iowa’s K-12 schools. In addition, the center will promote UNI’s Constitution Day and Joy Cole Corning Lectures.

The estimated project budget of $30 million to $35 million would be funded by State Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure (RIIF) Appropriations, General Education Renewal Funds and Treasurer’s Temporary Investment Income.

The Commons Modernization project will be presented to the Property and Facilities Committee as part of the UNI Register of Capital Improvement Business Transactions on Wednesday morning. Final, full Board approval will be considered as part of the Consent Agenda (Item 11c) on Thursday.