The exterior of LeBaron Hall looking at the new building’s east side where classrooms are located. Larger image. Rendering created by BBS Architects Engineers.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University celebrated the groundbreaking of the LeBaron Hall Replacement and Human Sciences Complex Renovation project for the College of Human Sciences on April 18.
“This transformative project is an outstanding example of forward-thinking donors who share Iowa State’s vision for the campus of the future. This new facility supports our commitment to provide a student-centric, world-class education now and in the future,” Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen said.
The project’s first aim is to replace LeBaron Hall with a modern facility designed to meet the needs of teaching and research today and into the future. Anchoring the northwest corner of central campus, the new building will expand the original footprint and add three floors above ground. Features will include:
- a 100-seat university classroom;
- teaching, production and design studios for the college’s nationally ranked apparel program;
- experiential learning space for the event management program, which is ranked first in the nation by schools.com;
- and a historic textiles and clothing lab.
Adjacent to LeBaron Hall, the Human Nutritional Science Building (HNSB) has already undergone renovations that bring together all facets of textile science research to the building’s second floor. Previously, this groundbreaking work was spread throughout LeBaron and MacKay Halls. A textile science classroom will also be built near the research lab, enhancing efficiencies in teaching, research and collaboration.
The tearoom, which opened in MacKay Hall in 1926 and was named the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom in 2002, will be relocated to the first floor of HNSB. The new location, across from Parks Library, will result in a modern, accessible, student-run restaurant with equipment that meets future industry standards.
Bridging these projects together will be a dramatic two-story commons area, a multipurpose courtyard and renovated lobbies providing much-needed collaborative space. The project is made possible through private donations, including a $15.5 million lead gift, and university funds.
“From the beginning, our vision was to create a space that powers student learning and innovation,” said Laura Dunn Jolly, Human Sciences Dean's Chair. “Generations of Cyclones will benefit from the hands-on learning opportunities the new LeBaron Hall will provide.”
Iowa State’s College of Human Sciences has built on its strong foundation as a renowned pioneer in home economics to become a national leader in teaching, research and outreach across its five academic units: apparel, events and hospitality management; the School of Education; food sciences and human nutrition; human development and family studies; and kinesiology.
To learn more about the College of Human Sciences and the LeBaron Hall replacement and Human Sciences Complex renovation project, visit https://hs.iastate.edu/.
The donors to the project made their gift commitments through the Iowa State University Foundation. The foundation is a private, nonprofit organization committed to securing and managing gifts that benefit Iowa State University.
The first floor commons overlooks central campus. It will provide gathering and event space. Larger image. Rendering by BBS Architects Engineers.