Location
Iowa City, Iowa
Year
2015
Sizes
Phase 1:
112,500 SF
Phase 2:
111,500 SF
Total:
224,000 SF
Client
University of Iowa
Project Team
Tim Hickman
Leah Rudolphi
Kevin Wagner
The University of Iowa football program’s facilities were outdated, undersized, and in need of replacement. Their existing inefficient air-supported practice structure was not only antiquated but slated for removal to make space for a University-owned transit facility. The challenge was to create a comprehensive, high-performance training environment that would bring together all elements of football operations and a celebration of the program's history—in a unified space, without sacrificing quality or functionality.
The Stew and LeNore Hansen Football Performance Center was developed in two phases. Phase one included the Indoor Practice Facility, featuring advanced technologies such as a radiant heat system under the turf and natural ventilation, alongside renovated outdoor practice spaces. Phase two introduced the Richard O. Jacobson Football Operations Building, connecting directly to the indoor practice facility.
This building is a hub of activity, offering a strength and conditioning area, team locker rooms, athletic training facilities, hydrotherapy facilities, staff offices, conference and position meeting rooms, an equipment room, and more. The design thoughtfully integrates the football program's character with the material palette echoing the historic Kinnick Stadium. The complex’s efficient circulation and use of space, coupled with its commitment to environmental sustainability, is among the best in football programs.
The design of the Football Performance Center caters to diverse user groups with varying needs, serving as a venue for media events and tours in addition to the student-athlete training grounds. The inclusion of public exhibit spaces and recruitment pathways allows visitors to connect with the legacy and current achievements of the football program, making the Football Performance Center a point of pride for current student-athletes, staff, football alumni, recruits, and visitors.
Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, University of Iowa
A critical component of the Football Performance Center is the Indoor Practice Facility, equipped with a radiant heat system under the turf, ensuring year-round optimal training conditions, irrespective of Iowa's weather. This feature, coupled with natural ventilation and daylighting, offers student-athletes a superior training experience and contributes to the building’s energy-efficient performance. The building's design prioritizes athlete well-being and performance enhancement as well as environmental stewardship. Achieving LEED® Gold certification, the Hansen Football Performance Center is also an example of what’s possible of sustainable design excellence in athletic facilities. Aligning with the broader values of the University of Iowa, this building showcases that elite athletic facilities can indeed coexist with ecological stewardship. This forward-thinking approach to sports infrastructure not only benefits current student-athletes but also positions the University of Iowa as an attractive destination for future talent.
Axonometric diagram
Site plan
Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, University of Iowa
The center features a comprehensive suite of athletic facilities, meticulously planned for optimal training efficiency. It houses advanced strength and conditioning spaces, hydrotherapy areas, and equipment and locker rooms, all designed to support exceptional performance. The integration of these facilities under one roof streamlines the student-athletes' daily routines, enhancing their training experience. The center's layout promotes a sense of community among the athletes, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie.
Through the integration of graphics into the architecture, the rich history of the Iowa football program is brought to life throughout the Football Performance Center. Promoting the Hawkeye brand was an important goal of this project and the Substance Architecture team delivered. Collaboration with an athletics-focused environmental graphics firm began early in the process, ensuring the graphics were not just applied but truly integrated into the design of the building. Substance worked closely with University staff to develop a brand strategy that communicates Iowa football's academic success stories, as well as Big Ten Conference and professional football success stories of individuals and teams. The outcome combines facility functionality, high-end graphic design and production, and museum-level finishes.
Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach, University of Iowa
The design of the Stew and LeNore Hansen Football Performance Center gives a visual nod to historic Kinnick Stadium. Using brick and cast stone, the center is inspired by the stadium's aesthetic, creating a seamless visual narrative. The design respects the University's rich heritage while embracing contemporary design elements. The juxtaposition of old and new embodies the University's evolving spirit, ensuring that the legacy of Hawkeye football is both preserved and propelled into the future.
MEPT Engineer
IMEG (formerly KJWW Engineering Consultants)
Structural Engineer
KPFF (formerly Saul Engineering)
Civil Engineer
Shive-Hattery, Inc.
Landscape Architect
Confluence
Sustainability Consultant
C-Wise Design and Consulting LLC
Pool Consultant
Counsilman-Hunsaker
Geotechnical
Terracon
Energy
The Weidt Group
Cost Consultant
Stecker-Harmsen Inc
Graphic Design
Forty Nine Degrees
Code Consultant
FP&C Consultants
Phase 2 Steel
Johnson Machine Works, Inc.
General Contractor
McComas-Lacina Construction
2016 Excellence in Design
American Institute of Architects, Central States Region
2016 Illuminating Award of Merit
KJWW Engineering Illuminating Engineering Society
2015 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design, 66% Annual kBTU Savings
MidAmerican Energy
2013 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design, Commercial New Construction
The Weidt Group
Winter 2017 Iowa Architect
June 2016 Athletic Business
Spring 2016 Iowa Architect
Photography by Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
