Child Saving Institute (CSI) announced plans to begin a series of initial capital improvements on its Children’s Square campus in Council Bluffs–focused on ensuring safe, functional and sustainable facilities that meet the evolving needs of children and families across the metro and Southwest Iowa.
This work, expected to begin early summer, represents a first phase of investment in a historic campus where several buildings are between 70 and 115 years old. The improvements are intended to reduce long-standing operational risk, address critical safety and accessibility concerns and create space for thoughtful, community informed planning for the future.
“Children deserve care in environments that support healing, safety and stability,” said CSI President and Chief Executive Officer Jaymes Sime. “These initial improvements allow us to responsibly care for the campus today while preparing for the needs of children and families in the years ahead.”
Following the merger of Children’s Square in the fall of 2025, CSI reviewed prior facility assessments and completed additional engineering and environmental evaluations across the campus. That work confirmed several long-standing concerns that could not be reasonably resolved through routine repairs alone.
As part of this process, CSI evaluated renovation options and alternative uses for affected buildings. After careful consideration, those alternatives were determined not feasible.
“These buildings carry tremendous meaning for our community and for my family,” said Bruce Lemen, a lifelong supporter of Children’s Square. “I grew up on this campus, and my family has been connected to Children’s Square since its founding in the 1880s. That history matters deeply. I have been closely involved in these conversations and I believe CSI has approached this work with respect, care and an unwavering commitment to children and families.”
CSI leadership emphasized its commitment to honoring the legacy of Children’s Square. The organization plans to carefully preserve and respectfully repurpose meaningful architectural elements and other materials so they remain part of the campus story in a future context.
As part of this initial phase of work, CSI is also excited to share plans for a reimagined Lemen Visitors Center. The updated facility will become home to an outpatient behavioral health practice, expanding access to needed services for children and families in Council Bluffs and throughout Southwest Iowa. The practice is expected to begin serving the community in 2027.
“This is a meaningful investment in both place and people,” said Vice President of Behavioral Health at CSI Lora Sladovnik. “It allows us to bring additional behavioral health services to the community while using the campus in ways that align with current needs.”
These improvements represent Phase One of CSI’s capital strategy for its Children’s Square Campus. This work creates stability today while allowing time and space for broader strategic campus planning and continued assessment of community need.
“Our focus remains on children and families,” Sime said. “These are careful, necessary steps to ensure 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 to provide the highest quality of care—now and in the future.”
