Master Plan

At its November meeting, the Board of Regents, State of Iowa received a report on the Master Plan for renovation of the Iowa Memorial Union and approved the program statement for Phase 1. With this approval, schematic design will begin on Phase 1. The information submitted to the Board of Regents follows:

The Master Plan was developed based on information received through a series of focus groups with students, faculty and staff, which were conducted in the summer/fall of 2003.

The results from the focus groups indicated that the greatest needs for the IMU are improvements in food service, building circulation and lounge space; development of a stronger relationship between the IMU and the Iowa River; and correction of building infrastructure deferred maintenance.

The Master Plan includes a comprehensive space program which identifies space needs, and goals and objectives for the entire facility, and outlines priorities for improvements.

The Master Plan for renovation of the IMU consists of two phases:

Phase 1

Phase 1 would construct a three-story infill of the east terrace area at the Madison Street entrance. This addition would consist of 11,025 net square feet (13,400 gross square feet) and would house student lounge and study space on the first floor, consolidated student office areas on the second floor (student government, student activities, and other student organizations), and shell space on the third floor. The shell space would provide swing space during the renovation project and future office space; the specific occupants have yet to be determined.

The proposed infill would require renovation, which would include the reconstruction of walls and floors, of approximately 9,100 square feet of the existing book store space on the ground floor to strengthen the footings and foundation to support the addition.

The addition would improve the building's vertical circulation with open stairways to each level, and also create a stronger sense of entry on the east side of the building.

The existing first floor entrance area from the east terrace would be renovated to provide a new central lobby area.

Phase 1 would also construct a river terrace immediately west of the IMU to provide a stronger connection between the building and the Iowa River. This terrace area would provide a student gathering space and a venue for small concerts and plays.

Phase 1 would also address the most critical deferred maintenance items including roof and fire alarm replacements, and plumbing, electrical and mechanical system upgrades.

Phase 2

Possible improvements to be evaluated for the Phase 2 project include:

• On the ground floor, further renovation of the student book store, expansion of the food storage and preparation areas, creation of a new food court, improved dining seating and lounge space in the Wheelroom, relocation of the convenience store, and development of additional office space.
• On the first floor, circulation improvements consisting of the development of two corridors from the east terrace entrance area that would connect with the River Room and new outdoor river terrace to the west, and the East Lobby of the Main Lounge to the north. Additional work on the first floor would include development of a new food venue, and improvements to dining/lounge space, staff and student office areas, the Campus Information Center and theatre.
• On the second floor, the renovation of office space for the IMU Human Resources office.

Schedule

The University anticipates that Phase 1 construction would commence in the fall of 2005 and would require approximately two years to complete. The schedule for Phase 2 construction is contingent upon Board approval of the additional building fee to support the Phase 2 project; however, the University plans to proceed with Phase 2 programming simultaneously with the Phase 1 schematic design.

The work in each phase of the project would be coordinated to minimize disruption to the building's use. The student book store operations on the ground floor would be temporarily relocated within the IMU during the renovation of this space.

The Phase 1 cost is estimated at $9.9 million; the Phase 2 cost is estimated at $20.1 million. (Individual budgets would be developed for each phase.) The University plans to fund the projects with proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds, with debt service payments from current and future student building fees.