Case Study | Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Founded in 1970 by Robert and Frances Bickelhaupt, the 14-acre Bickelhaupt Arboretum has served as a regional destination for conservation, education, and community engagement for more than 50 years. In 2014, the property was donated to Clinton Community College and the Paul B. Sharar Foundation to continue its mission of lifelong learning and sustainability.
In 2026, the Arboretum underwent a transformative $5 million renovation. The former Bickelhaupt family residence converted into a modern education and event center for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Clinton Engineering Co., Inc. served as construction manager, helping preserve the arboretum’s legacy while expanding its educational and community impact for future generations.
The Challenge
Converting a historic residence into a modern educational and event center required balancing historic preservation, accessibility, and sustainability, while protecting the building’s historic character.
Signature Project Features
Structural glass floor over the former swimming pool
Chihuly-inspired art installation beneath the glass
Historic residence transformed into flexible education and event space
New educational, event, and exhibit spaces
Site restoration and sustainability improvements
Clinton Engineering’s Approach
As construction manager, Clinton Engineering guided the project through every phase of construction, coordinating the owner, Studio 483 design team, and specialty contractors. The team helped resolve complex field conditions, manage quality, keep the project on schedule, and protect the vision for the facility.
Most of the original residence was renovated into flexible educational and event space while maintaining the architectural character of the home.
Interior improvements included new flooring and wall finishes, modern electrical fixtures, a new HVAC system, and additional storage rooms and restrooms to support expanded programming and events.
Highlights
Technical Innovation
One of the project’s most unique elements was the installation of a custom structural glass floor above the former swimming pool. Beneath the glass sits an illuminated art installation curated by Gabi Torres and fabricated by Hot Glass, Inc.
To reduce fabrication risk, Clinton Engineering recommended 3D laser scanning of the existing pool before fabrication began. The scan captured exact field conditions, allowing the custom steel framing and structural glass system to be fabricated within approximately ¼-inch tolerances and minimizing field modifications during installation.
Educational and Community Spaces
Designed by Greg Gowey of Studio 483, the renovation introduced several new educational and community spaces, including:
- A 2,033-square-foot event center with floor-to-ceiling windows and flexible seating
- A 2,200-square-foot outdoor deck accommodating up to 100 guests
- Accessible gathering areas and a new gazebo throughout the site
- Dedicated learning center rooms and library space
- Welcome Pavilion for visitors and educational materials
- Walk-through animal exhibit featuring native species and the arboretum’s taxidermy collection
Sustainability & Site Improvements
The project included several environmental and infrastructure enhancements: streambank erosion mitigation, landscape restoration, parking lot improvements, and installation of a permeable paver parking lot.
Clinton Engineering also assisted EICC in securing ISWEP grant funding to support the permeable pavement installation, helping advance the project’s sustainability goals.
The Result
Today, the renovated Bickelhaupt Arboretum serves as a destination for education, conferences, weddings, performances, and community events. Through collaborative construction management, problem-solving, and attention to the facility’s historic character, Clinton Engineering transformed one of Clinton’s most treasured landmarks into a space that will serve the community for generations to come.
