HARKIN CENTER
planning + urban design
The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University incorporates smart development practices in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. A catalyst for redevelopment of the University Avenue Corridor, the Harkin Center extends Drake University's boundaries with an iconic building and site that serves as a destination for Drake students, faculty, and the larger community. The Harkin Center was designed to be state-of-the-art, sustainable, and inclusive as part of Drake University’s Blue is Green movement.
The site design focuses on the artful integration of native plantings and bioretention cells to manage the first 1.25" of stormwater events. Guided by The Harkin Institute's mission to provide forward-thinking universal design solutions, the site meets or exceeds industry standards for the integration of accessibility.
