Higher Education On the Boards

Located in Various Locations

Upper Iowa University Baker-Hebron and Garbee Gateway

Graceland University – Morden Center

Graceland University, a private college with locations in Iowa and Missouri, wanted to update and modernize the Morden Center – its main athletic facility used by students, fans and the Lamoni community. The original building, while iconic, presented itself poorly due to low interior lighting levels and a leaky roof. In addition, the building was not energy efficient, had no air conditioning and lacked crucial storage space. After years of struggling with these issues, the campus decided it was time for an upgrade, and Shive-Hattery was up for the challenge.

The staff at Graceland had a goal to not only resolve performance issues, but also improve the fan experience and attract more students and athletes to campus.

With an estimated completion of Fall 2021, the new Morden Center will be a building the university can again be proud of. The modernized facility will have a look and feel that can only be found at Graceland. The overall structure and fully restored roof will have a refreshed, modern look and meet all code requirements. Inside you will find updated interior LED athletic lighting systems, an LED scoreboard, state-of-the-art sound systems, an AI camera streaming system, air conditioning and bold university branding. The Modern Center will be a tool for recruiting students, inspiring athletes, bringing fans to the stands, and improving the overall look and feel of the university for decades to come.

DMACC Urban Campus Student Center

The DMACC Urban Campus is the most culturally diverse campus of higher education in the State of Iowa. In an effort to enhance both campus identity, and the surrounding community, the design vision was focused on reinforcing DMACC commitment to its rich and diverse student body. Connectivity, Collaboration, Inclusion, and Building Community became the overarching vision for the design concept. The “Why”, focused on the expression and enhancement of Urban Campus Identity, as its own, unique, localized level of community, while at the same time supporting the overall educational goals of DMACC as an institution of higher learning.

The new Student Life Building, scheduled to open in 2021, will house student support services, science classrooms and student areas. A remodel of the existing media center and academic achievement center at the adjacent Building 1, will create areas that encourage social interaction and support new technology. The campus will be reconfigured to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment, stormwater management best management practices (BMPs), learning landscapes and exterior amenities.