Morden Center Project Wins Iowa Master Builder Award

Graceland University’s Morden Center Project won the Iowa Master Builder Award in a ceremony held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

Hansen Company, who is the contractor for the project, applied for the award late in 2021 and was notified they were a finalist. The award recognizes the exceptional efforts of a construction team in executing the process of completing a project. Hansen dealt with multiple subcontractors working on a tight timeline to rejuvenate an iconic 50-year-old building that is critical to Graceland’s campus life.

Grant Taylor, partner and vice president at Hansen Company, said, “It was thrilling to be awarded MBI’s Master Award in a room full of our peers, owners, architects, and special guests.  None of that would have happened without Graceland’s leadership, dedication, and faith in our team.”

The project was extremely important because the University could not have retained its current athletic program with the cost of new construction. “The athletic department has a completely renovated athletic space which allows us to recruit, compete, and succeed,” said Brady McKillip, Graceland Athletic Director.

Renovations in phase one included a new scoreboard, sound system, and sports lighting. A new center court, new bleachers, and replacement of the track and outside courts are scheduled for completion this summer.

“We are extremely grateful for Hansen’s leadership on the Morden Center project,” said Graceland President Patricia Draves. “Morden Center has had an iconic place on our Lamoni campus and, because of our partnership with Hansen Company, will remain an important part of our future.”