Your college experience reimagined

A student–centered space with more places to eat, study, and hang out — plus support you need to succeed.

The IMU well-being center

Five new dining spots

More room to connect

Esports space levels up

The IMU well-being center

The IMU well-being center will bring health and well-being services to one centralized location on campus, making it easier for you to get the help you need. Whether you're looking for health care, mental health support, help navigating a challenge, or assistance meeting basic needs, you’ll find services in one convenient location, including:

  • Basic Needs
  • Student Care and Assistance
  • Student Health
  • Student Wellness
  • University Counseling Service

Sustainability and the IMU renovation project

Renovating the IMU helps reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and preserve one of the most recognizable buildings on campus.

  • New building systems will improve comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency throughout the IMU.
  • New energy efficient windows will improve the building’s sustainability and HVAC efficiency, reducing heat loss and limiting heat gain. 
  • New carpet installation will also include Carbon Net Zero carpet product, which features bio-based and recycled materials.

Project timeline

  • The IMU well-being center will open in phases starting fall 2026.
  • A new Leadership and Engagement suite with dedicated space for student organizations to connect and collaborate is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
  • HawkeyEsports Arcade is slated in its new location on Ground Floor in spring 2027.
  • New dining options will be available in fall 2027.
  • The full completion date for the project is scheduled for fall 2027.

 

Renderings and construction progress

New First Floor Dining, looking west from Hubbard Commons, July 2026. Future view: First Floor dining, looking from Hubbard Commons. River Room First Floor looking west under construction, July 2026. Future view: River Room First Floor looking west. The Garden looking south, under construction July 2026. Future view: The Garden, looking south. First Floor Lounge under construction, July 2026. Future view: First Floor Lounge. Boxes and construction materials occupy the majority of the space with carpet and painted walls visible in the background. Future view: Student Health Services reception looking southwest. HawkeyESports Arcade, July 2026. Future view: HawkeyESports Arcade rendering. IMU Southeast Corner pictured in May 2026. IMU Southeast Corner IMU South Lobby May 2026. Future view: IMU South Lobby rendering design. south entrance of the IMU with construction equipment, parking space blocked off. Future view: South Entrance of the IMU. Roof of the IMU, which will become the future Activity Deck. Activity Deck Rendering with students eating, relaxing on a patio. First Floor Lounge space under construction in July 2026. First Floor Lounge rendering with students sitting in open, well-lit space. Painted columns and hallway of the future wellness center, looking west. Future Wellness Center space on 1st floor with a therapy dog and people gathered. A ladder is seen in the hall of the wellness center looking east, along with painted walls and columns. First Floor Wellness Center looking east with people gathered in the hallway. Brick wall with artwork hanging in Hubbard Commons space. Hubbard Commons space opening up to the Main Lounge. First Floor River Room under construction, July 2026. First Floor River Room with tables and natural light. Open floor with windows and brick in the background. Leadership and Engagement Suite with students working at desks. Ground Floor May 2026. IMU Ground Floor Second Floor Leadership and Engagement Suite looking north May 2026. Second Floor Leadership and Engagement Suite looking north. Construction equipment pictured on the floor of the open space of the future fourth floor lounge. Rendering of the future student lounge on fourth floor with white columns, open lighting, comfortable seating, and reflections of nature.

Renovation work in progress

Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU Renovation work in progress at the IMU

Latest renovation updates

IMU to see renovations following Iowa Regents’ approval

The Iowa Board of Regents approved the renovation project Wednesday, bringing UI Student Health, food service options, multipurpose rooms, and more to the 100 year old building.

University of Iowa's nearly 100-year-old Memorial Union is undergoing a $75 million renovation

The nearly 100-year-old building is getting a facelift ahead of its centennial birthday.

Iowa Memorial Union to undergo major renovation to better serve students

Planned renovations to the IMU will bring a new Well-Being and Mental Health Center, uniting student care resources in one central location.

Relocations and maps IMU hours

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) gifted the IMU with the complete outfitting of the interior gathering space for the new activity lounge on second floor. The outdoor activity deck is designed to support wellness and encourage meaningful connections with nature. The adjacent indoor lounge offers a cozy, welcoming space that seamlessly blends indoor comfort with the fresh, openness of the outdoor deck.

usg students at imu centennial
activity deck lounge on second floor activity deck lounge looking east activity deck lounge looking northeast

Preview future spaces

first floor lounge looking west river room dining on first floor student lounge on fourth floor south lobby on first floor the garden on first floor leadership and engagement suite on second floor vendor lane of imu on first floor activity deck lounge on second floor

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