DES MOINES, Iowa — With the 2026 Iowa State Fair in the rearview mirror, work is underway on the largest renovation project in the Fair’s history.
Phase II of a three-year, $19.6 million overhaul of the historic Swine Barn began immediately after this year’s Fair. The project is expected to continue through the next two off-seasons before being completed in time for the 2028 Iowa State Fair, according to State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons in a recent post on social media.
The Swine Barn was originally built in 1907 and expanded in 1936. Fair officials say its last major improvements were completed in 1942.
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The renovation will touch nearly every part of the building. Plans include reconstructing roof lines to better move rainwater away from the interior of the barn, replacing utilities and installing an underground stormwater retention system south of the building…