(Council Bluffs) Child Saving Institute (CSI) released a statement that it will begin various improvement projects at its Children Square campus in this coming year. These improvements are focused on safety, sustainability, and preparing for the future needs of patients in Southwest Iowa.
Many of the campus’ buildings are between 70 and 115 years old, and an evaluation of their structural and environmental condition revealed problems related to water intrusion, accessibility, and deferred maintenance. CSI considered renovating or repurposing these buildings, but long-term risks and costs made capital improvements necessary.
“Our focus remains on children and families,” said Jaymes Sime, president and chief executive officer of Child Saving Institute. “These are careful steps to ensure the Children’s Square campus, as part of Child Saving Institute, remains a place of hope for generations to come. We look forward to working with the community to continue providing the highest quality of care—now and in the future.”
Initial improvements include selective demolition inside the Lemen Visitors Center, which was formerly used as a chapel and later as office and meeting space. CSI says it plans to preserve meaningful elements, including the stained glass and cupola.
CSI plans to reimagine the Lemen Visitors Center as a small outpatient behavioral health practice, expanding access to services in Council Bluffs beginning in 2027. Construction is expected to become visible this summer and CSI will continue sharing updates as work progresses.
