Just like Greater Des Moines, Drake University is improving more and more every year. We're changing our spaces to make them more accessible, make learning more interactive, and add elements of fun to campus. We are also focused on including our community and making sustainable choices. Take a look at what is being worked on, what has been finished, and what is to come.
In Progress Projects
Merge Development
Project Description: Redevelopment of a city block in Dogtown. New residential units, commercial space, and office space. Four and five story construction.
Project Location: Between 24th and 25th St., University Ave. and Carpenter Ave.
Project Status: In Progress
Projected Completion Date: TBD
More Information:
- June 24, 2019
- December 21, 2021
- Mixed-use development project is led by the Merge Urban Development Group.
What's Next
Drake Stadium Improvements
Project Description: As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, Drake University proudly announces the launch of the Drake Stadium Centennial Campaign—a $6 million fundraising initiative to preserve the legacy and ensure the future of one of America’s most iconic athletic venues.
Project Location: Drake Stadium
Project Status: Planned
Projected Completion Date: TBD
More Information
Completed Projects
Olmsted Improvements
Project Description: Refreshed first floor of Olmsted with tremendous improvements to the Bulldog Shop, a new living room, enhanced breezeway, a new self-serve convenience store, and more. Completed in Fall 2025.
Johansen Student Center
The renovation of the historic Morehouse Residence Hall into the Johansen Student Center will provide a home base for Drake’s 150 student-led organizations. This will be the place where students discover what it means to contribute to something larger than themselves. Built on the values of community and inclusion, the Johansen Student Center in Morehouse will be a place where everyone is welcomed and encouraged to find joy in their best selves. Completed in Spring of 2025.
- Drake University Celebrates Grand Opening of Johansen Student Center
- Johansen Student Center Art Installation is Empowering the Next Generation
Meredith Hall Revitalization
In coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office, the renovations include improvements to the HVAC system, lighting, ceilings, exterior painting, technology, and auditorium seating.
More information can be found at Meredith Revitalization 2022-2023.
Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake
Members of the community and Drake students, faculty, and staff now have a convenient location to receive primary care, urgent care, mental health services, and access to a rotation of specialty services.
Mediacom Stadium
In partnership with Des Moines Public Schools, this stadium is the home field for the DMPS football and soccer teams as well as Drake's men's and women's soccer teams.
Merge Development
Redevelopment of a city block in Dogtown, which includes new residential units, commercial space, and office space.
Canary Lofts by Nelson Construction & Development 26th Street and University Avenue
135 new residential units, 6,000-square-feet of commercial space. Four story mixed-use, mixed-income development. Representing a $20.6 million investment in the neighborhood.
The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center 28th Street and University Avenue
Home of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement. 16,000-square-feet, $8.75 million. A model of universal design.
Drake Athletics Marquee Sign 27th Street and Forest Avenue
A new, fully digital marquee sign celebrating Drake student athletes.
Sprout Learning Garden Carpenter Avenue and 30th Street.
The Sprout Garden is now relocated from its previous Forest Avenue location to the grassy area west of campus on 30th Street, just south of Drake West Village. The new space will allow the garden to expand its growing capacity and educational opportunities through the addition of native plants, trees, and permaculture.
Hubbell Dining Hall
Remodel of Hubbell Dining hall kitchen and Quad Creek spaces, refreshing of the kitchen space, serving stations, and dining experience. In partnership with our food service partner Sodexo, we embarked on a multi-million-dollar renovation of Hubbell Dining Hall. The new design provides more diverse meal stations and options.
Home2 Suites by Hilton 26th Street and University Avenue
86,000-square-feet, including 11,000-square-feet of ground floor commercial space. 124 room extended stay hotel. Representing a $28 million investment in the neighborhood.
Bulldog Plaza University Avenue in front of Old Main
Featuring a bronze bulldog statue in the likeness of Drake University’s live mascot, Griff, the bulldog statue is positioned in a way to create a unique photo opportunity for visitors and the campus community with Old Main in the background. This project is made possible by a generous donation from Bob and Pam Lees on behalf of three generations of Drake alumni that includes Robert R. Lees (LA'50, GR'55), Robert H. Lees (LA'74), Christina A. Lees (Gause) (BN'98), and Brian D. Lees (BN'99).
University Avenue Streetscape Improvements University Avenue from 25th Street to 31st Street.
Initiated by the City of Des Moines sewer separation project and implementing the 2007 conceptual plan (revised), University Avenue streetscape updates improve pedestrian safety, public transit nodes, and to integrate the campus, neighborhood and Dogtown business district.
Restrooms Remodel Howard Hall
Two new gender inclusive restrooms were added to the main floor of Howard Hall.
Gregory and Suzie Glazer Burt Boys and Girls Club 25th St. & Forest Ave.
The second Boys and Girls Club on the campus of a private university. Partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa.
Olmsted Starbucks Olmsted Student Center
Fully-licensed Starbucks franchise and new study space that replaced the Olmsted Coffeeshop.
Roger Knapp Tennis Center is Net-Zero
Over the last year, every light in the tennis center and parking lot were changed to LED, which also included replacing the court lights with a more efficient fixture using 75% less energy and providing twice as much illumination ensuring the courts meet NCAA standards for competitions. In summer 2019, 346 solar panels were installed that produces 165,900 kWHours a year. With the reduction of electricity use from lighting upgrades, the project engineer determined that 346 solar panels were sufficient to produce enough electricity through renewable energy that would equal the amount used in the building for the entire year making it a “net zero” building.
Collier-Scripps Hall and Ray Center
Four-level, 55,000 square foot academic building that houses STEM@DRAKE, including the School of Education, math and computer science classes, Instructional Material Center and new Robert D. and Billie Ray Center. Equipped with wireless display screens and windows lining the walls, the classrooms have a modern and cutting-edge feel. This building, along with the Science Connector Building, received a Two Green Globes rating.
Cowles Library study spaces Main floor of Cowles Library
New, modern furniture that makes studying and collaborating easier.
Quad Residence Halls HVAC update Carpenter, Crawford, Herriott, and Stalnaker
Brand-new ventilation equipment was installed in four first-year residence halls.
Robert Ray Promenade Formerly 27th Street
The Promenade adds more green space to the heart of campus and serves multiple purposes, such as a meeting location, studying spot, performance venue, picnic destination, and more.
Science Connector Building
The Science Connector Building has state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms and is the crucial link in an interconnected complex that includes Olin, Fitch, Morgan E. Cline, and Harvey-Ingham halls. The new building offers flexible classroom spaces that can be configured to accommodate a variety of teaching styles and student needs, as well as collaboration spaces with adjustable seating, large whiteboards, and technology. This building, along with Collier-Scripps Hall, received a Two Green Globes rating.