The Glenwood Resource Center campus redevelopment project is a vision for a new pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use neighborhood. The neighborhood will be a vibrant urban area with green space and amenities. A master redevelopment plan has been established to:
- Identify opportunities for building preservation and redevelopment
- Create parcels for the development of multiple housing types
- Consider cultural resources and sensitivities
- Define opportunities for improved access
- Promote economic synergies
- Provide a roadmap for sustained growth
Identify opportunities for building preservation and redevelopment
Create parcels for the development of multiple housing types
Consider cultural resources and sensitivities
Define opportunities for improved access
Promote economic synergies
Provide a roadmap for sustained growth
Building Momentum
Since finalizing the redevelopment plan under the Iowa Economic Development Authority and in collaboration with other state, regional, and community stakeholders, efforts have begun to bring the vision of the former Glenwood Resource Center campus to life. Since then:
- Glenwood Redevelopment Corporation (GRC) was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and took possession of the main campus site from the State of Iowa in April 2025.
- Iowa Department of Transportation has partnered with GRC to provide access to the site via new roadways off of U.S. Highway 34 (US-34). Construction is anticipated to start in spring 2026.
- The State of Iowa has provided funding to support site improvements to prepare the site for redevelopment.
- Buildings are being decommissioned, and new utilities have been extended from the public utility system to Glen Haven nursing home and the Glenwood Community School District administration building.
About Glenwood Redevelopment Corporation
The Glenwood Redevelopment Corporation (GRC) was established in 2025 to guide the ongoing effort to redevelop the site. GRC is a non-profit organization that has been established to oversee an initial phase of site improvements and future redevelopment of the former Glenwood Resource Center. The organization is made up of volunteer board members:
- Larry Winum
- Mark Norman
- Mark Lincoln
- Richard Crouch
- Tom Hoogestraat
- Angie Winquist
- Doug Bisson
Anticipated Redevelopment Schedule
- Hazardous Materials Assessment - Winter and Spring 2026
- Master Plan Update - Spring 2026
- Building Environmental Remediation - Spring to Summer 2026
- Iowa Highway 34 Road Construction - Spring to Fall 2026
- Establish Design Guidelines - Summer to Fall 2026
- Building and Utility Demolition - Fall 2026 to Spring 2027
- Utility Spine Design and Construction - Winter to Summer 2027
Complete
- Extension of public utilities to Glen Haven and Glenwood Community School District administration building
- Onboarding of engineer and master developer
Read the Master Redevelopment Plan
More than a year of planning, research, and public engagement helped guide the Glenwood Resource Center Redevelopment Plan that provides a vision for the future of the site. Read the full plan here.
Efforts to update the master plan to account for site constraints and conditions are beginning this fall to further shape the vision for the site.
History of the Glenwood Resource Center Campus
The Glenwood Resource Center campus has a long and meaningful history. It began as the Glenwood Soldier’s Orphans Home (1866-1876), caring for children of fallen Civil War soldiers. It later served as a residence for children with disabilities and eventually became the Glenwood State Hospital School, later known as the Glenwood Resource Center, until closing in 2024. Over the years, the campus provided care, education, and support for people with disabilities. Its evolving buildings and architecture reflect this history and the campus’s growth over time.
Select a location below to learn more.
Girls’ Cottage
102 Central Street (exterior)
The exterior of the Girls’ Cottage, built in 1912-1914, where female residents were originally housed and later served as the activities center for clients. Note the temple front motif and columns and stately red brick work, reminiscent of both Classical Revival and Flemish Revival style.
Girls’ Cottage
102 Central Street (interior art)
Art projects adorn the interior of some buildings, as seen here in Building 102. Art was used to cheer spirits of staff and residents, as well as a therapeutic tool for residents.
Administration Building
104 Lacey Street (interior - front desk)
The Administration Building, built in 1964, was the institutional hub for the Glenwood Resource Center Campus. The image shows the front lobby that greeted all residents and visitors, and represents the Mid-Century Modern open interior spaces.
Laundry Services
Building - 105 Central Street (Exterior)
The Laundry Services, built in 1912, washed 135,000 pounds of GRC’s laundry per month, while also providing services to the State School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. It was a key part of the work programs created for residents, affording money, job skills, and supporting the institution’s functions.
Engineers and Industrial Building
110 Main Street (Exterior)
This building, built in 1922, served as the training and production space for the campus, with the first floor containing workshops and the second floor as living rooms. More recently, the building housed the dining canteen and was used as a visitor center.
Meyer School
111 Lacey Street and Hospital - 115 Lacey Street (Exterior)
The Meyer School (right), built in 1953, sits north of the former hospital-turned-housing facility (left), built in 1901. The school served as the institution’s educational and community hub, featuring classrooms, a gymnasium, and an auditorium. Notably, the building was designed without internal staircases, using ramps throughout to ensure full accessibility for residents of all physical abilities.
Architecturally, the building blends Art Deco and Moderne influences with Post-World War II Brutalist and Contemporary styles, featuring extensive concrete, clean vertical lines, and geometric forms.
Meyer School
111 Lacey Street (interior -stage and auditorium)
A view of the auditorium and balcony seating from the stage.
Meyer School
111 Lacey Street (interior -stage and auditorium)
Representative photo of one of the classrooms at the Meyer School. Note the bright windows.
Original Hospital
115 Lacey Street (Exterior)
The Hospital building, built in 1901, replaced a previous hospital building that burned in a fire. The building served as the hospital for the campus until the 1960’s and then served as a residence housing. The building has a highly ornamented nature, designed as late Victorian architecture and fits the ornamental revival styles of the time.
Fire Station
116 Main Street (Exterior)
The GRC maintained its own fire station, built in 1903. The structure was built in part by the residents of Glenwood, and is built in the Flemish Revival style.
Boys’ Custodial Building
120 Main Street (Exterior)
The Boys’ Custodial Building was built from 1906-1908, with an extension added in 1910 and further modified in 2006. The building originally served as a large housing unit for boys requiring more intensive care. More recently, the building housed several campus needs, including engineering and environmental services.
Storeroom
121 Main Street (Exterior)
This building, built in 1930-1931, was once a dairy storage and processing facility while Glenwood had a herd of dairy cows until around 1973 when it was converted to general storage. This building, although a simple brick building, is connected to the campus’ agricultural work.
Greenspace
South of 104 Lacey Street
View looking southeast across the greenspace, from 104 Lacey Street towards 115 Lacey Street. The greenspace is landscaped with multiple trees, lights, and walkways.
GRC Campus
View looking northeast from the roof of Lacey Hall across the Campus
Stay Connected
Have questions? Interested in helping bring the vision to life? Get in touch here:
Project Updates
Current Opportunities
Work is progressing to prepare the former Glenwood Resource Center site for redevelopment. Glenwood Redevelopment Corporation is anticipating issuing three abatement bid packages starting early May, and following the abatement process, will release multiple demolition packages across the campus, including building, street and pavement, and utility demolition. The first abatement bid package is available to bidders as of Thursday May 7th, 2026, and interested contractors can visit the to download a copy of the contract documents or visit the Iowa Department of Administrative Services website to learn more.
Interested contractors — stay tuned for future bid opportunities and email project@glenwoodredevelopment.com if you would like to stay informed as bid opportunities are posted.
Interested in items from the Glenwood Resource Center Campus? Browse what’s available at www.ebay.com/usr/glenwoodredevelopmentcorporation
For your safety and the safety of our crews, the public is not permitted to enter the former Glenwood Resource Center campus. These areas contain heavy equipment and materials that can pose serious hazards. Unauthorized entry puts individuals at risk and can interrupt essential work.
If you notice any suspicious activity, trespassing, or something that seems unsafe around the site, please contact the Mills County non emergency number (712-527-4844) to report it right away.
Your awareness helps keep our community secure and our project moving forward safely.
Thank you for your cooperation.
To ensure public safety and manage traffic flow, concrete barriers have been installed on campus. At the recommendation of local law enforcement and as part of this effort, the burial site will be temporarily closed in accordance with Iowa Code § 523I.102(6)(b). GRC worked with the Iowa Department of Insurance to approve this temporary closure.
This closure is necessary during the current phase of work, which includes infrastructure demolition, new road construction, and installation of a new central utility spine. Once this phase is complete, access to the site is expected to improve.
GRC remains committed to preserving and maintaining the burial site throughout construction. This is a temporary measure, and access will be restored as soon as it is safely possible.
Additionally, GRC is closely coordinating with the Iowa State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure all future development is planned with awareness of the important resources on the site, including the burial site. Development will not impact these resources. GRC is committed to making enhancements to the burial site in the future, so that it can continue to be a peaceful gathering place for visitors.
At the request of local law enforcement and to ensure the safety of tenants, the former Glenwood Resource Center campus will be closed to the general public beginning October 31, 2025 due to upcoming construction work. Access is limited to:
- Glenwood Community School District building (home to Kids Place, Administration staff, and APEX curriculum)
- Glen Haven nursing home
Due to increased loitering and vandalism on the site, security cameras and concrete barricades have been installed. Unauthorized entry may result in prosecution at the discretion of local law enforcement and Glenwood Redevelopment Corporation.