4 minute read
Floodgates Open
KEVIN MONSON | A FOUNDER’S LEGACY
For many in Iowa, the year 2008 evokes one word: flood. Just two years after Iowa City was hit by a tornado, more than 20 buildings on the University of Iowa campus (and many buildings apart from the University) flooded. Just across the river, in Coralville, iconic businesses closed their doors for weeks and months on end to manage clean up. In Cedar Rapids, the Cedar River crested to its highest level in the city’s history, impacting 10 square miles or 14 percent of the city. The phrase “Iowa’s Katrina” was born.
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It was a difficult time for homeowners and businesses. The impact was so great that work would continue for more than a decade as buildings were closed, moved, and mitigation efforts continued. Some never did recover. The flood created an unexpected surge in business for the firm. In fact, NM was adding new talent to its ranks at a time when the larger profession wasn’t hiring.
“Kevin’s commitment to client satisfaction came through in economic downturns and natural disasters,” said Partner Dave Zahradnik. “We had relationships with leaders who turned to us and trusted us so we could go and help the University or the city. That doesn’t come overnight. It takes grit to build that level of trust.”
For the next eight years, NM worked alongside city and University leaders and architectural partners on projects to rebuild the arts campus at the University of Iowa. This included FEMA study work on the merits of moving or replacing the beloved Hancher Auditorium, which for more than 45 years had acted as a cultural hub for the campus presenting worldclass dance, music, and theater.
During this time, NM worked on two unique projects with the University of Iowa: Beckwith Boathouse and the Hydraulics Department Wave Basin.
NM worked on a state-of-the-art Wave Basin Facility, completing it in 2010. The building functions as a research lab to test ship dynamics for the Office of Naval Research, which the University has partnered with for more than 50 years. The facility’s basin accommodates open water testing to analyze naval vessel maneuverability and seaworthiness.
University of Iowa Beckwith Boathouse
University of Iowa Beckwith Boathouse
Beckwith Boathouse is a facility for the women’s rowing team and the Hawkeye Community Rowing Program located on the Iowa River. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, the building embraces the Iowa River and views of the area. It also contains a state-of-the-art rowing tank—a crucial element for a professional year-round training venue. By touring and analyzing other top rowing facilities in the nation, it became apparent a custom rowing tank was needed. The firm’s design team partnered with The University of Iowa’s renowned Hydraulics Lab to create the first custom rowing tank that could achieve the designated standards.
One of the intangibles Kevin brings to any project is his ability to think beyond architecture.
That was never more apparent than when he coined the term Iowa River Landing for what would become an iconic part of the city of Coralville’s growth plan. In 2008, Kevin, Tim, and Kim McDonald participated in a “collab-etition” with local and national firms who wanted to win the contract for what would become Iowa River Landing (IRL). “The masterplan we developed was chosen and is reflected in the ongoing development of the IRL.” Schroeder said.
Over the years, NM would design many projects in Iowa River Landing, including multiple parking structures, an intermodal transportation facility, the University of Iowa Healthcare facility for Ambulatory Care, and more.
During this era, NM also designed the Davenport Police Facility, the Coralville Library addition, and the University of Iowa Carver Hawkeye Arena renovation and addition.
In 2009, the firm earned its first Central States Region AIA award for the Davenport Police Facility. This was a LEED Gold project and Iowa’s first LEED municipal building.
Iowa River Landing, Coralville
Coralville Library Addition
University of Iowa Carver Hawkeye Arena Renovation and Addition
“Kevin continued to lead the firm toward commissions that have profoundly impacted several Iowa urban centers. Projects challenged the status quo as we reshaped the urban fabric of Iowa City and Coralville’s Iowa River Landing District. The creation of our Des Moines studio extended the firm’s impact to Iowa’s largest urban area. The results are now taking root in Des Moines’ East Village as the list of award-winning projects grows.”
