UPDATE: The Union Station Food Court at the University of Iowa’s Iowa Memorial Union will close on March 13, 2027, as part of extensive renovations that will transform dining operations on campus. This closure signifies a major shift in how food is served within the IMU, according to Don Stanwick, Director of Dining Services.
This urgent renovation is set to convert Union Station from a food court with multiple vendors into a standalone restaurant. Stanwick revealed that the former River Room area on the first floor will be redesigned to include made-to-order concepts, such as pasta and a new dedicated sushi counter. Additionally, Godfather’s Pizza will find a new home in an enclosed patio space near Madison Street, enhancing the variety of dining options available to students.
The significant changes will disrupt dining services temporarily, with the renovations expected to be completed by spring or early summer 2027. Stanwick emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “It is really going to enhance the student experience on campus.”
The first phase of construction began after the Iowa House Hotel closed in February 2025. This former hotel space will be transformed into a centralized wellness center, accommodating student mental health and medical services. Notably, the IMU’s renovations have been long overdue, stemming from major flooding in 2008 that delayed progress for nearly 15 years due to FEMA disaster funding restrictions.
As construction begins, the IMU’s catering kitchen will also temporarily close. To maintain services, catering operations will relocate to a former restaurant space at Sycamore Mall. Stanwick mentioned that dining staff started construction at the new site in January and are working to secure all necessary permits and health inspections before reopening. Catering will cease operations at Union Station on March 13, with a brief transition period planned. Full catering services are expected to resume around March 23.
During the relocation week, catering will utilize a campus marketplace kitchen for smaller events. However, Stanwick noted the challenges this presents, especially with around 5,000 students needing meals daily during the academic year.
Efforts to avoid layoffs during this transition have been prioritized. Student employees impacted by the Union Station closure will have placement options and can maintain their schedules if they choose to continue working. “We want to make sure everybody still has a job,” Stanwick said.
Third-year student Jacob Vosler, who works at Union Station, expressed his concerns after learning about the closure a month and a half ago. He opted to transfer to The Filling Station inside the dental building for convenience.
The IMU typically sees about 4,500 visitors daily, and Stanwick anticipates that traffic will disperse to other dining locations during construction. Christyn Lamar, manager of the Hawk Shop Cafe and Market, is preparing for an influx of customers by adding new equipment and hiring additional staff ahead of spring break. Excitingly, a ramen noodle bar is also set to debut during this period.
As the University of Iowa community braces for these changes, the new dining concepts and technology integration are expected to significantly enhance the overall student experience on campus. The anticipation surrounding the renovations reflects a commitment to evolving student needs and improving campus amenities.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
