Iowa State Fair Began Historic Swine Barn Renovation

The $19.6 million project aims to modernize the 1907 facility in time for the 2028 Iowa State Fair.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic wooden barn facade with exposed timber trusses, using a warm vintage color palette. — The Iowa State Fair has initiated a $19.6 million renovation project to modernize the historic Swine Barn in Des Moines by 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Officials at the Iowa State Fair launched a massive $19.6 million renovation of the historic Swine Barn in Des Moines. This project, which began following the August 2026 Fair, marks the largest infrastructure improvement in the history of the fairgrounds.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to modernize aging livestock facilities that have not seen significant updates since 1942. By improving structural integrity and spatial design, the fair aims to preserve these historic buildings for future agricultural exhibitions.

The renovation project is supported by $12 million from the state Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund, a $5 million donation from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation, and a $2 million commitment from Iowa Select Farms and Jeff and Deb Hansen.

The players

Iowa State Fair

This annual event is a major agricultural and cultural exhibition held in Des Moines.

Richard O. Jacobson Foundation

This philanthropic organization provides significant funding for community and infrastructure projects.

Iowa Select Farms

This large-scale pork producer is a significant player in the Iowa agricultural economy.

Jeff and Deb Hansen

These individuals are prominent figures in the Iowa agricultural sector and active philanthropic donors.

The details

Crews are currently focused on reconstructing roof lines and installing an advanced underground stormwater retention system. The redesign of the south-center stalling area will feature fewer columns and higher ceilings to accommodate modern agricultural standards.

The Swine Barn was originally constructed in 1907.
The last major improvements to the structure took place in 1942.
The renovation of the Sheep Barn was completed in 2024.
Phase I of the Swine Barn work was finalized before the August 2026 Iowa State Fair.
The full Swine Barn renovation is slated for completion by the 2028 Iowa State Fair.

Roadmap

This project represents a broader trend of prioritizing the preservation of historic agricultural architecture at state fairgrounds across the Midwest. The investment follows the pattern of the 2024 Sheep Barn renovation, signaling a long-term commitment to upgrading aging livestock facilities.

Residents and fairgoers will benefit from improved safety, better facility ventilation, and modernized stalling areas during future visits to the fairgrounds. The upgrades ensure that the long-standing tradition of livestock exhibition can continue in a high-quality, sustainable environment.

The takeaway

Large-scale historic preservation often requires a complex combination of public state funding and private philanthropic support. This model of capital investment serves as a vital framework for maintaining legacy structures that serve as the backbone of community agricultural traditions.