Using a commercial oven and mixer in his home kitchen, Josh Smith, Custodial Training Specialist, has been spreading sugary joy to UI staff for years. His cookies have been the stuff of legend in FM for years, and now their fame has caught the attention of Iowa Now.

Watch the Daily Iowan TV feature, highlighting the vital work of the Facilities Management custodial team. The segment, starting at 9:38 in the video, provides a behind-the-scenes look at how this dedicated group ensures a safe, clean, and healthy environment for UI students and staff.

The city of Iowa City has begun planning to replace the Burlington Street bridge, which sees heavy traffic each day and serves as a connection between the east and west sides of the UI campus. Preliminary work has already begun, with construction expected to begin in 2028 or 2029. Read this story from The Gazette to learn more.

The UI has received a gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System. The self-reporting framework looks at universities’ sustainability performance in multiple categories, from curriculum to operations. Read more about the UI’s work toward sustainability goals.

The UI has several facilities projects — all of which are on time and on budget — related to the new patient care tower on UI Health Care’s university campus, as well as new construction and renovation work for Hawkeye athletics teams. View this photo gallery to see up-to-date information on where all these projects stand.

The University of Iowa is requesting approval from the Iowa Board of Regents to acquire the remaining 45% of the Old Capitol Town Center in downtown Iowa City, which it currently partially owns at 55%. The board is set to review this proposal during its November meeting, with the university notifying the mall’s ownership group of its intention to purchase the rest of the property for $20.6 million, contingent upon board approval.

The University of Iowa is seeking approval to remodel the historic Art Building, vacant since the 2008 flood, as the new home for the Graduate College. This move is part of a 10-year facilities master plan, allowing the Graduate College to leave Gilmore Hall and support the expansion of the Tippie College of Business. The project has a budget of $37 million, with completion expected by summer 2026.

Facilities Management was featured on Daily Iowan TV to discuss the University of Iowa’s natural environments, with special guests from Landscape Services, including Director Scott Gritsch, Manager Michael Weikamp, and Urban Forestry Supervisor Andy Dahl. The interview covers key landscape areas on campus, as well as award-winning gardens and trees.

Facilities Management launched a new page about the Facilities Renewal Plan called Strategic Building Stewardship. This innovative plan helps select projects for funding based on key institutional priorities. Learn more at the link!

A new adult patient care tower is one of several major projects aimed at transforming the University of Iowa Health Care’s ability to care for Iowans in future decades and generations. Here’s an update on several projects now underway on the west side of campus that will enable the tower to be built including the Newton Road connector project, Hawkeye Parking Ramp, Health Sciences Academic Building, and Water Tower.