The Tippie
of Tomorrow

The new three-story design will seamlessly connect Gilmore Hall and the Pappajohn Business Building to further integrate the business campus, enhancing functionality and accessibility. This space will foster greater movement among locations on all floors, providing users with a convenient, efficient path that bridges academic departments, research labs, and common areas. Designed with open, airy corridors and large windows with panoramic views, the addition will create a sense of unity while maintaining each building’s unique character. It also will provide a new entry point from the West connector entrance and will feature a lobby and upper-floor bridges integrating the two buildings. Whether students, visitors, faculty, or staff are moving between classes, meeting across departments, or searching for a study spot, these areas will encourage cross-disciplinary interactions and reinforce Tippie’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

The existing courtyard/patio area will be transformed into a welcoming outdoor gathering space that will offer a breath of fresh air in the center of the new business campus. Designed with relaxation and connection in mind, the space will feature modern seating, lush greenery, and open-air study spots to enhance creativity and encourage wellness. Whether students are meeting for group projects, enjoying a quiet moment between classes, or attending academic events under the stars, this outdoor space will be a vibrant extension of college life.

This department "neighborhood" will bring together faculty, students, and researchers in finance for focused academic work and spontaneous exchanges. Once the university’s law library, this space will feature vaulted ceilings and restore the historic skylights—that have been covered for more than 50 years—in a nod to Gilmore Hall's rich history. It also will be home to contemporary offices, flexible meeting areas, and spaces for informal interactions. The “neighborhood” will build community, foster innovation, and reinforce the department’s role as a leader in financial education and research. After decades of being scattered throughout the Pappajohn Business Building, finance PhD students and faculty now will have their own dedicated space, sparking collaboration and boosting efficiency. With ample room for future growth, the department will be able to adapt to fit its evolving academic mission.

Equipped with advanced technologies, interactive displays, and flexible workstations, this lab will be the first of its kind in Big Ten professional communications. It will offer a creative environment where students and faculty can experiment with emerging communication tools, multimedia production, and digital storytelling. It also will help users engage in pioneering research and develop new ideas that will shape the changing landscape of communications in the digital age.

A state-of-the-art facility built to advance research and innovation in the field, this lab will feature cutting-edge technology, powerful computing resources, and open workspaces. It will provide students, faculty, and researchers with the tools they need to explore complex data, develop AI solutions, and tackle real-world challenges. The dynamic space will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering breakthroughs in analytics and AI that will shape the future of global industries.

A premier meeting space for high-level discussions, strategic planning sessions, and professional gatherings, this room will feature state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, elegant furnishings, and a flexible layout to accommodate a variety of meeting formats. The sophisticated and functional space will provide a polished, private environment for leadership teams, visiting executives, and collaborative decision-makers. PhD students will defend their dissertations, and undergrads will prepare for case competitions in this space. Overlooking the business green and offering a stunning view of the iconic Old Capitol dome, the 26-seat room will be a campus destination and will provide an inspiring backdrop for important conversations and visionary planning.

This central interior pathway will connect key areas within the new building addition, promoting smooth circulation and intuitive navigation. The thoughtfully planned walkway will enhance the user experience by linking academic and community spaces through a cohesive, well-lit route. With attention to accessibility, design continuity, and visibility, the bridge will serve as a functional corridor and an architectural feature that supports connection and engagement throughout the new space.

A center for student success, personal development, and leadership growth, this space will offer a wide range of academic support services, leadership programs, and co-curricular opportunities. It will host supplemental instruction and initiatives such as Tippie Thrive and RISE experiences. It also will be a space where student organizations can hold gatherings to prepare for academic and professional success.

The Frank Business Communication Center was the Big Ten's first business-specific writing and communications center. Now it will move to the forefront of the college and be on display for all who visit the business campus. This center will be home to tutoring in writing, visual design, and presentations; coaching for case competitions; and support for all faculty integrating communication skills into their curriculum. The Frank Center is a pillar of the Tippie experience and now will be a space that is more accessible and welcoming to all students.

This new department "neighborhood" will foster connection and productivity through its modern offices, flexible meeting rooms, and inviting common areas for informal dialogue. It will strengthen the department’s sense of community and support its commitment to dynamic teaching and scholarship. Additionally, the suite will facilitate idea sharing among current and future educators. After decades of being scattered throughout the Pappajohn Business Building, members of the economics department will be able to work together in their own dedicated space, igniting collaboration and boosting efficiency. With ample room for future growth, the department will be able to adapt to fit its evolving academic mission.

This versatile and spacious 150-seat venue will accommodate a wide range of activities, including prospective student campus tours, career recruitment fairs, lectures, conferences, workshops, and social gatherings. It will feature flexible layouts, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and modern amenities that ensure a seamless experience for presenters and attendees. The locale will be ideal for fostering engagement and creating memorable experiences through special events, community functions, and corporate gatherings. It also will be Tippie's first-ever dedicated event space, marking a significant milestone in its ability to host large gatherings and elevate campus life. At the heart of the business campus, second-story windows within this vaulted space will showcase the neighboring Frank Business Communications Center on one side and the Student Success Hub on the other. When not in use, it will be open for students to gather and study.

This vibrant, welcoming space will serve as the heart of business on the Tippie campus—a central place where students, faculty, and staff connect with alumni and industry leaders. Thoughtfully designed with brightness, warmth, and versatility in mind, the atrium will offer flexible seating for quiet study, collaborative group work, and large-scale gatherings. Featured spaces directly off the atrium include the Tippie Career Services Center, Pat’s Diner, the premier event space, the Frank Business Communications Center, and Student Services for Learning and Leadership. Future alumni will remember the atrium as the place that drew them to Iowa—the setting where they formed friendships, shaped ideas, and launched careers. It will be more than just a location; it will be a defining part of their journey.

Tippie's beloved eatery will be expanding as a part of this project. Iowa business students average more than 12 hours on campus daily and will benefit from additional amenities without having to leave the business campus. Pat’s will move into the heart of the main floor and will feature an upgraded kitchen. Its proximity to the event space will allow for use as a catering kitchen as needed.

This student-centered space will support career exploration, professional development, and employer engagement for all Tippie students. The center will include private advising offices, flexible interview rooms, and areas for networking events and career fairs. The highly visible entry will be the heart of the main floor and will feature modern technology and resources, making it a vital hub for students to build connections and prepare for career success. Its welcoming and professional environment will attract students and employers alike.

The Finance Institutes Suite will be a dedicated space where students and faculty work with industry professionals in risk management, insurance, wealth management, and banking. Designed for both formal meetings and informal conversations, the suite will foster real-time dialogue about emerging trends and challenges in the financial sector. By bringing together academic and industry perspectives, the suite will play a key role in shaping curriculum that reflects the evolving needs of the profession. It will be a place where people can exchange ideas and connect with mentors—and where students will gain the insight and confidence to thrive in their future careers.

This 40-seat classroom, equipped with movable furniture and integrated technology, will encourage group work, peer-to-peer interaction, and dynamic instruction. A plan for extra student study areas offer flexibility to adapt to future teaching and learning needs. This room is sized perfectly for the Business Communications and Professionalism course, which is a core requirement for all Tippie undergraduate students. The cutting-edge space also will empower students and faculty to explore ideas, solve problems, and bring learning to life in meaningful, participatory ways.

Gilmore Hall’s west entrance, the original entryway for Iowa’s law school, will receive a thoughtful refresh that lets its historic character shine through. The space’s iconic staircase, featuring stone and ironwork from 1910, will retain its grandeur, allowing us to celebrate the past while breathing new life into this notable corner of campus.

This new entrance and lobby space will seamlessly connect Gilmore Hall and the Pappajohn Business Building and integrate the campus, enhancing both functionality and accessibility. The modern link will foster greater movement between spaces, providing users with a convenient, efficient pathway between academic departments, research labs, and common areas. Designed with open, airy corridors and large windows with panoramic views, the addition will create a sense of unity while also maintaining each building’s unique character. Whether students, faculty, and staff are moving between classes or meeting across departments, this connector lobby will encourage cross-disciplinary interactions and reinforce our commitment to innovation and collaboration.

This 60-seat classroom will foster engagement, teamwork, and hands-on learning. Equipped with movable furniture, and integrated technology, the room will encourage group work, peer-to-peer interaction, and dynamic instruction. The cutting-edge space will empower students and faculty to explore ideas, solve problems, and bring learning to life in meaningful, participatory ways. It also will provide additional student study areas and be flexible enough to adapt to future teaching and learning needs.

Built to inspire creativity, connection, and innovation, this vibrant hub will feature open work areas, breakout rooms, and cutting-edge resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs and interdisciplinary teams. Whether developing startups, hosting pitch sessions, or engaging with coaches, students will be able to turn bold ideas into real-world results. The hub also will serve as a vital economic driver by cultivating new ventures, supporting local business growth, and contributing to a dynamic regional economy.

This modern, adaptable learning environment will support a wide range of teaching styles and academic disciplines, serving as the third-largest classroom on the business campus and the only of its size. It will enhance student engagement and faculty interaction—and foster an atmosphere of curiosity, collaboration, and academic excellence. Featuring ninety-seat classroom, the room also will be a central space for academic and community engagement, enhancing Tippie’s campuswide visibility. In addition to serving Tippie students, it also will be open to students from many other majors.

Gilmore Hall’s west entrance, the original entryway for Iowa’s law school, will receive a thoughtful refresh that lets its historic character shine through. The space’s iconic staircase, featuring stone and ironwork from 1910, will retain its grandeur, allowing us to celebrate the past while breathing new life into this notable corner of campus.