LeBaron Hall rebuild and MacKay Hall renovation | College of Human Sciences

Aerial view of LeBaron and MacKay halls — Iowa State University’s top capital priority for the 2020 legislative session is replacing LeBaron Hall (pictured at left) and renovating portions of adjoining 108-year-old MacKay Hall (center).

Replacing LeBaron Hall is Iowa State’s top capital priority in the 2020 Board of Regents funding request to the Iowa Legislature. If approved, $30 million in state funds will be appropriated to replace 60-year-old LeBaron Hall and renovate portions of MacKay Hall.

An additional $15 million in private gifts and $10 million in university funds are proposed for the $55 million project.

Adaptable, state-of-the-art spaces will enhance student/faculty collaboration, high-impact experiential learning, and innovation.

Building proposal to advance human sciences

LeBaron Hall ❶

Replace with entrepreneurial teaching and research facility for:

Apparel, events, and hospitality management
Human development and family studies
Human Sciences Extension and Outreach
College and university-wide collaboration

Plaza ❷ and Atrium ❸

Flexible, multi-purpose spaces for teaching, research, collaboration, and events

MacKay Hall ❹

Transform functionality and accessibility while preserving historic architecture

Students-in-LeBaron-Hallway — The college’s programs are highly ranked, yet the facilities no longer match their level of excellence. Facilities that attract students and top-notch faculty, and support advanced study and innovation are needed to maintain — and elevate — the college’s vital impact on people and communities.

Give to this project

Project cost

$37 million - LeBaron Hall ❶ and Atrium ❸

$12.5 million - Plaza ❷

$5.5 million - MacKay Hall ❹

$55 million - Total

Event management students testing equipment — The Meeting Room, a former office turned hands-on lab, is helping event management students use the latest technology effectively and confidently in the field. Read about the nationally ranked program, new lab, and the new technology.

Students design a suit that functions better in Hillinger's wheelchair. — Lydia Loya and Tara Efobi worked on the “Design for All” project with Collin Hillinger, a freshman in mechanical engineering who has Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. Read about this apparel project.

How the College of Human Sciences is impacting Iowans

Iowa State University’s $3.4 billion impact on the state of Iowa reflects service to families, communities, and businesses — and benefits to society from an expanded economy and improved quality of life.¹

¹The Economic Value of Iowa State University of Science and Technology

The College of Human Sciences:

- Prepares professionals who improve the quality of people’s lives — leaders in healthcare, social services, education, nutrition and wellness, hospitality and events, and STEM — job sectors with projected 15-year growth rates of 19-23%² in Iowa.

Reports 61% of 2017-2018 College of Human Sciences graduates found employment in Iowa.
Graduates leaders who strengthen families, schools, and communities.
Engages 23,000 alumni who live in Iowa, serving as knowledgeable, motivated leaders helping fuel the state and national economy.

²Iowa: Education and Workforce Trends Through 2025