University of Iowa Will Demolish Halsey Hall by 2027
The historic campus building will be replaced by a parking ramp as the dance department relocates.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Dance
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The University of Iowa plans to demolish Halsey Hall, which currently houses the Department of Dance, by Summer 2027. The project will allow for the construction of a new campus parking ramp.
Why it matters
The demolition of the 1915 structure marks a significant shift in campus infrastructure and provides a necessary path for the Department of Dance to move into a modern, air-conditioned facility.
Originally opened in 1915 as a women's gymnasium, the facility has served as the academic home for the Department of Dance since the bachelor's degree program was established in 1976.
The players
University of Iowa
This public research university serves as the primary educational institution in Iowa City and oversees all campus facility planning.
Elizabeth Halsey
She served as the head of the Department of Physical Education from 1924 until 1955 and was the namesake for the university gymnasium.
The details
The decision to remove the building at Jefferson and Madison Streets addresses long-standing infrastructure needs, notably the current lack of air conditioning in the aging structure. The Department of Dance will move to a new location on campus as part of the broader site redevelopment.
Timeline
Halsey Hall first opened its doors as a women's gymnasium in 1915.
The Department of Physical Education was established at the university in 1924.
The bachelor's in dance degree program was officially founded in 1976.
Demolition of the historic Halsey Hall is scheduled to occur by Summer 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The removal of Halsey Hall follows the strategic priorities established by the University of Iowa campus master plan to modernize student facilities. This trend reflects a broader move in higher education to replace legacy, non-climate-controlled buildings with infrastructure that supports current student and program needs.
Students and faculty in the dance program will transition to a modern building, ending the daily use of a facility that lacks climate control. The project will result in new parking capacity on the central campus site.
The takeaway
The move recognizes that historic campus buildings often require significant upgrades to meet modern educational and environmental standards. Transitioning programs into new facilities helps ensure that students have the climate-controlled environments necessary for their physical activities.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit the Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Iowan.
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