New Hancher Auditorium opens
Preparation Begins
Planning for Rebuilding
River reaches record levels
2009-2013
2016
June 9-10 2008
June 13, 2008
Today
2014
May 2008
June-July, 2008
June 12, 2008
University of Iowa buildings are officially evacuated.
Heavy rainfall begins in eastern Iowa
Construction on the new Hancher begins.
The costume shop is running seamlessly as they prepare for their upcoming performances.
Temporary Relocation
Today 2026
Today, the Hancher costume shop continues to support dance and opera productions at the University of Iowa. Staff and students design, build and maintain costumes for performances throughout the academic year. The shop stands as a reminder of the challenges faced during the flood and the persistence required to rebuild a creative community.
June 13, 2008
On June 13, the Iowa River reached a historic level, at 31.53 ft, surpassing previous flood records. A large portion of Iowa City was underwater, including Hancher Auditorium and the theatre building. Roads were closed, power was disrupted, and emergency crews worked around the clock to protect the building and residents. The flood has been named the worst natural disaster in the University of Iowa's history.
June 9-11, 2008
As the water levels rise, University of Iowa officials begin preparing for floods. Staff and faculty are made aware of the concerns. University departments worked quickly to move equipment to higher levels to avoid losses. Hancher Auditorium specifically moved costumes, tools, and production supplies. Moving all of this equipment required long hours and a large number of staff. Cindy Kubu said at one point they had a daisy chain of students helping move costumes in Halsey, the dance building on campus.
May 2008
In early May 2008, eastern Iowa experienced heavy rainfall over several days. Floods had already been reported in the area. The soil in the surrounding areas was fully saturated, and runoff quickly raised river levels.
Late June-July, 2008
After a couple of days, the water receded. University officials were finally able to assess the level of damage following the flood. In the months following the flood, departments affected by the flood relocated to temporary facilities across campus and throughout Iowa City. The costume shop established a temporary workspace using equipment and limited supplies that were safe from the water. Staff and students adapted to new routines, traveling longer distances to complete fittings and production work. Despite the disruption, performances and academic programs continued.
September 9, 2016
The new Hancher Auditorium officially opened in September 2016, marking a major milestone in the university’s recovery from the flood. The reopening symbolized resilience and renewal for the campus community. Departments returned to permanent workspaces, and performances resumed in a modern facility designed to support the arts for future generations.
2009-2013
University officials begin planning for long-term recovery. Assessing what buildings need to be rebuilt or repaired after the water damage. Architects and engineers worked together to help design and plan for the repairs. The layout focused on building on higher elevations to avoid future flooding. During this period, departments continued operating from temporary locations while waiting for permanent solutions.
2014
Construction of the new Hancher Auditorium begins. Its design is meant to withstand future floods. The building was constructed on higher ground and included modern performance spaces, improved technology, and updated production areas. Staff members contributed input on the design of workspaces, including the costume shop, to ensure the facility would meet long-term needs for performances and education.
June 12, 2008
The University of Iowa officially ordered an evacuation for buildings in the flood zone near the river. Hancher Auditorium was among multiple buildings to evacuate, and students and staff left the area. The National Guard was deployed to the area to help with safety and security, as multiple areas on campus had restricted access. By this point, many students and staff were uncertain about when they would be able to return to campus and their jobs.
May 2008
Alayna Larson
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Transcript
New Hancher Auditorium opens
Preparation Begins
Planning for Rebuilding
River reaches record levels
2009-2013
2016
June 9-10 2008
June 13, 2008
Today
2014
May 2008
June-July, 2008
June 12, 2008
University of Iowa buildings are officially evacuated.
Heavy rainfall begins in eastern Iowa
Construction on the new Hancher begins.
The costume shop is running seamlessly as they prepare for their upcoming performances.
Temporary Relocation
Today 2026
Today, the Hancher costume shop continues to support dance and opera productions at the University of Iowa. Staff and students design, build and maintain costumes for performances throughout the academic year. The shop stands as a reminder of the challenges faced during the flood and the persistence required to rebuild a creative community.
June 13, 2008
On June 13, the Iowa River reached a historic level, at 31.53 ft, surpassing previous flood records. A large portion of Iowa City was underwater, including Hancher Auditorium and the theatre building. Roads were closed, power was disrupted, and emergency crews worked around the clock to protect the building and residents. The flood has been named the worst natural disaster in the University of Iowa's history.
June 9-11, 2008
As the water levels rise, University of Iowa officials begin preparing for floods. Staff and faculty are made aware of the concerns. University departments worked quickly to move equipment to higher levels to avoid losses. Hancher Auditorium specifically moved costumes, tools, and production supplies. Moving all of this equipment required long hours and a large number of staff. Cindy Kubu said at one point they had a daisy chain of students helping move costumes in Halsey, the dance building on campus.
May 2008
In early May 2008, eastern Iowa experienced heavy rainfall over several days. Floods had already been reported in the area. The soil in the surrounding areas was fully saturated, and runoff quickly raised river levels.
Late June-July, 2008
After a couple of days, the water receded. University officials were finally able to assess the level of damage following the flood. In the months following the flood, departments affected by the flood relocated to temporary facilities across campus and throughout Iowa City. The costume shop established a temporary workspace using equipment and limited supplies that were safe from the water. Staff and students adapted to new routines, traveling longer distances to complete fittings and production work. Despite the disruption, performances and academic programs continued.
September 9, 2016
The new Hancher Auditorium officially opened in September 2016, marking a major milestone in the university’s recovery from the flood. The reopening symbolized resilience and renewal for the campus community. Departments returned to permanent workspaces, and performances resumed in a modern facility designed to support the arts for future generations.
2009-2013
University officials begin planning for long-term recovery. Assessing what buildings need to be rebuilt or repaired after the water damage. Architects and engineers worked together to help design and plan for the repairs. The layout focused on building on higher elevations to avoid future flooding. During this period, departments continued operating from temporary locations while waiting for permanent solutions.
2014
Construction of the new Hancher Auditorium begins. Its design is meant to withstand future floods. The building was constructed on higher ground and included modern performance spaces, improved technology, and updated production areas. Staff members contributed input on the design of workspaces, including the costume shop, to ensure the facility would meet long-term needs for performances and education.
June 12, 2008
The University of Iowa officially ordered an evacuation for buildings in the flood zone near the river. Hancher Auditorium was among multiple buildings to evacuate, and students and staff left the area. The National Guard was deployed to the area to help with safety and security, as multiple areas on campus had restricted access. By this point, many students and staff were uncertain about when they would be able to return to campus and their jobs.