Follow our transformation…………..

Dec 2024

• RDG Planning & Design is reaching beyond boundaries to design a welcoming place that celebrates Iowa’s cultural richness. 
• Grand opening scheduled for fall 2026.

Jan 2025

• 7 contractors replied to our request for bids. List was narrowed down to 2.
• Neuman Brothers chosen to lead the project!

Feb 2025

• Planning & Zoning mtg. Plans approved! On to the next step.

Mar 2025

• Highly productive meeting with our Druid Hill neighbors – we reached a mutual understanding of our respective missions. As part of our discussion, we offered to develop a landscaping plan that maintains their privacy while also facilitating smooth access for our guests, suppliers, and emergency services.

Apr 2025 – April has been a busy month & there’s still 2 weeks to go……

• We have happy neighbors & IACC supporters! 
• Thank you Polk County! Not only has the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved our plan, they’re supporting us with a $1M grant!!
• Mayor & City Council unanimously approved our site plan!
• Bocce Ball Pavillion unveiled. 

Inside

Outside

• RDG meeting this morning – finishing touches to the museum & lots of bushes, trees and flowers for the grounds.
• Check out our Youtube slideshow

May 2025

• RDG planning session – Explored lighting solutions & chose a stunning Italian crafted chandelier for the Pre-event room. Historical lighting fixtures will be restored to their original form. Donor recognition signage chosen as well as our Family Tree.
• Another step closer – reviewed schedule & permits with RDG & Neuman Bros. The Heritage Advisory group & many volunteers have stepped up to help with packing. All items should be out of the building the beginning of June. Groundbreaking to follow!

Jul 2025

• It was a true “Who’s Who” of city, county, and state leaders—complete with the Governor, the Mayor, and the Polk County Supervisors—all gathered with silver shovels in hand to celebrate our Groundbreaking!
• Everything has left the building! Let the construction begin!
• It’s happening!

AUG 2025

• WOW! A beautiful video created by RDG videographer, Sean Gannon   –  IACC Groundbreaking – Contributors on Vimeo

SEP 2025

• Breakthrough………….. new entrance is taking shape.
• Look what they’ve done! Take a peek inside our courtyard and see the progress unfold…
• From hidden doors to lively spirits—watch our speakeasy come alive……….

OCT 2025

• Making way for the pre-event space:
• Winding down the ramp, it’s easy to see that even under construction, the timeless beauty of the Butler Mansion still shines through!

DEC 2025

• One of the most significant changes underway is the creation of a new 500-square-foot opening between floors. This feature will form a dramatic two-story street gallery within the Museum, adding volume, light, and connectivity to the space. Temporary safety rails are in place to protect the opening during construction.

• In the pre-function addition located within the courtyard, crews installed foundations just ahead of winter conditions in late November. Photos on this page highlight the foundation wall in progress and the careful placement of the elevator pit slab.