University of Northern Iowa Multimodal Transportation Center

The University of Northern Iowa ventured into uncharted territory with the design and construction of its first-ever parking structure. Initially, there were concerns about its integration and the potential alteration of how people would view the campus or its culture—and if UNI would maintain the inclusive, approachable environment their campus had always offered.

The site for this multi-level transit facility was selected following campus input. The design reflects the character and scale of the surrounding neighborhood through the integration of brick, copper, and photovoltaic panels arranged to mimic the dormers of the adjacent homes. Substance Architecture supported the University’s Federal Transit Authority (FTA) grant application, the award of which not only made the project possible but elevated it to an award-winning example of sustainable design.

Communicating and building consensus with the community was paramount throughout the design process. The site, formerly the Commons parking lot and four university-owned houses, was selected following a campus input process. The existing houses were relocated by the University and significant efforts were made to seamlessly fit the new parking facility on the site. Substance attended numerous meetings with students, neighbors, and the administration, helping them to see that the Center’s design and purpose resonated with all.

The facility is sculpted into the sloping site, subtly masking parts of the parking structure and aligning its scale with adjacent residence halls. Materials including brick and the perforated copper-colored screen complement the existing campus aesthetic.

Strategically positioned to maximize accessibility, this parking structure plays a pivotal role in giving students, visitors, faculty, and staff easier access to the campus and the surrounding communities, advancing UNI’s goal to make the campus a friendly place to visit.

Through its careful design, the center provides ample parking while seamlessly integrating with the University's transit system—the Panther Shuttle—and the larger Metropolitan Transit Authority (MET) which provides service to Cedar Falls and Waterloo. It also provides easy access to the Cedar Valley Nature Trails bicycle paths.

As part of this transit project, the redesign of West 23rd Street brought a renewed vibrancy to the area. The aesthetics and functionality of the project enhance the overarching landscape of Cedar Falls and the neighboring College Hill area.

A project of this magnitude wasn't just about bricks and mortar; it was about partnerships. Key to the Multimodal Center's success was a robust collaboration with the FTA and the City of Cedar Falls, IA. Funded partially through Intermodal Transportation Funds, the project showcased the power of collaboration in bringing visionary projects to life.

A defining moment in the project was the incorporation of a photovoltaic solar panel array onto the parking ramp's rooftop. Remarkably, this sustainable initiative was proposed due to the award of additional funding—when the construction of the project was already 80% complete, highlighting our adaptability and innovative thinking. The challenge was to seamlessly integrate the solar panels into the design, ensuring they appeared as an integral part of the structure.