Report finds Iowa State president’s residence in poor condition; regents ask for planning and cost estimates before new president arrives

An architects’ facility analysis presented to the Iowa Board of Regents concluded that Iowa State University’s presidential residence, the Knoll, has significant structural and functional deficiencies and does not meet modern expectations for a presidential home.

Sean Reeder, Iowa State senior vice president for operations and finance, told the board the house—built in 1901 and occupied for more than a century—has problems that include poor insulation and building envelope performance, water infiltration, HVAC challenges tied to retrofits, limited privacy due to traffic and adjacent development, and a lack of modern household facilities such as adequate dining and home‑office space.

Reeder noted the Knoll’s heavy use: the first floor serves frequently for donor receptions, meetings and an undergraduate class, and the house receives thousands of visitors annually. He said past reviews, including a 1965 board committee that recommended discontinuing residential use, had led instead to periodic renovations, leaving the building largely dependent on its original 1901 fabric.

Regent Hensley asked what next steps should be and urged action beyond “receive and file.” Board chair Regent Bates asked Regent Jaden to spearhead an effort to gather options and cost estimates, including short‑term fixes (HVAC, ADA) and longer‑term choices (remodel or replacement). The board discussed a timeline tied to the search for Iowa State’s next president and set a target to have recommendations in place by the time the new president is hired (Regent Bates indicated mid‑November as a planning target for decisions ahead of the incoming president).

Regents emphasized that some immediate issues could and should be addressed quickly (for example HVAC, accessibility and moisture remediation) while a comprehensive plan and cost estimates are prepared. No formal capital authorization was requested or approved at the meeting; the board asked for a plan that would include preliminary cost estimates and options for repair, remediation or replacement for consideration in the coming months.

Regent Bates and others thanked outgoing university leadership for managing the property during ongoing campus operations. The board reserved action on budgetary commitments until staff and Regents present the recommended next steps and cost projections.