The University of Iowa officials plan to develop a "writers' neighborhood" at the north end of campus. The theme will build on the prominence of UI's writing programs and the fact that Iowa City was named a "City of Literature," one of only three in the world and the first in the United States, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The other two are Edinburgh, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia.

"We have taken advantage of that neighborhood feel to place additional writing programs nearby in recent years," Rod Lehnertz, UI director of planning design and constructions, said Thursday. "There are no specific plans for additional facilities, but as opportunities arise, we will work with the institution to advance the developing theme."

The Dey House and Schaeffer Library, which house the Iowa Writers' Workshop, will anchor the area. Across the street, Shambaugh House, which is home to the International Writing Program, is being restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance, Lehnertz said.