Report: Iowa State presidential residence has ‘health and safety concerns’

AMES — Closing in on this week’s deadline for applications to lead Iowa State University as its 17th president, the Board of Regents this week will hear an update on the condition of that campus’ presidential residence — in which the new president will have to live — and it’s not good, according to board documents.

“Its age, original construction methods, and deferred maintenance have led to recurring issues, including water infiltration, high humidity, thermal bridging, pest intrusion, bat infiltration and false safety alarms,” according to a facility analysis of The Knoll — the common name of the ISU presidential home. “These deficiencies result in health and safety concerns, poor energy efficiency, functional restrictions, and non-accessible conditions in some public spaces.”

The ISU “landmark” — which was built in 1901 as a private home and today contains 4,299 square feet of public space used for ISU events and 3,626 square feet for the private residence — “reflects many challenges typical of older homes,” according to the board report.

“The president and family lack adequate, comfortable living quarters: bedrooms are undersized, common living areas are small and inadequate, bathrooms are outdated, storage is lacking, no family entertaining space is provided, technology is insufficient, and there is no private outdoor space,” the report states. “Rooms are too small and segmented; accessibility concerns are present both interior and exterior, and building systems are no longer sufficient for the multipurpose uses of the home today.”

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The Knoll, following its original construction more than a century ago, saw additions in 1922, 1967, and 2001. And shortly before the board hired outgoing ISU President Wendy Wintersteen in 2017, the campus conducted a range of improvements costing $1.5 million — including adding a four-season room to the south side, along with new stairs and a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the front entrance.

“As a condition of employment, Wintersteen agrees to reside in the president’s residence,” according to her contract. “The board or the university will maintain the grounds and facility in good repair and pay for technology and communications services and utilities at the president’s residence.”

Wintersteen in May announced plans to retire at the end of this year — kicking off a national search for her replacement in July that gave a deadline of Sept. 19 for applications.

Separately, the board at its July meeting authorized its campuses to analyze their presidential residences no later than the November meeting — looking at necessary upgrades and renovation recommendations. And the Knoll’s report came back first.

‘Fire hazard’

Breaking down the Knoll’s needs by category, reviewers looked first at its structure, foundation, and building components — identifying a list of primary concerns including basement moisture and water infiltration; hairline cracks in the foundation; leaks in the roof; sagging ceilings from water infiltration; inadequate insulation in the walls; woodchuck damage and wasp nests.

Public restrooms on the first floor are not in compliance with current accessibility standards — including size, accessible sinks, and grab bars. And there are “numerous national electrical code violations.”

“Given the age of the structure, it is likely outdated knob and tube electrical wiring is present within the building which could constitute a fire hazard,” according to the report, which also noted recurring humidity problems.

“The building’s lack of insulation and related envelope issues contribute to a higher frequence of false smoke alarms during periods of high humidity or even from the recent high smoke conditions from wildfires in Canada,” the report stated. “This often results in unnecessary emergency response and disruption from the fire department and facilities maintenance unit 24 hours/day 7 days a week, providing little privacy to the president and family.”

Regarding its functioning as an “executive-level home,” the reported noted lacking space for storage, for hosting groups and dinners, for cooking, and for family living.

“The bedroom is too small,” according to the report. “It is not adequate for a king-size bed, nightstands and personal storage. No sitting area is provided. The primary bath has many functional issues, including operations of fixtures and arrangement of spaces.”

All the bathrooms are too small too, as is the closet.

“To address these deficiencies, a range of options could be considered, each exploring a different approach to improving The Knoll’s function, meeting expectations for a university presidential residence, addressing inefficiencies and preserving its stature as a symbol of the university’s history and prestige,” according to the report, which the board is scheduled to discuss Thursday.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com