What Remains: Hancher After The 2008 Flood
Since its debut in 1972, University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium has been Iowa's leading arts presenter, with more than 4 million patrons attending a variety of performances and events. Once an icon of the university, Hancher now sits bare, reminding us of the lingering effect of the 2008 flood that devastated the University of Iowa's Arts Campus.
The demolition of the building is certain, but when it will be razed is unknown as FEMA has taken it out of the hands of the university. Because the structure has historical significance, FEMA is requiring a specific process, including public forums in order to determine the best solution to respect and recall the history of the building once it's gone.
This documentation is what remains of Hancher in the physical sense, not the emotional one. For the millions who experienced joy watching performances here these dark corridors, empty dressing rooms, and lifeless auditoriums are unrecognizable. Yet after 39 years of Hancher's history at the university, this is what remains.