UPDATE: The Union Station Food Court at the University of Iowa will close on March 13, 2027, as part of a significant renovation project transforming dining services at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU). This closure marks a pivotal shift in how food will be served, impacting thousands of daily visitors.
Officials confirm that the Union Station space will transition to a standalone restaurant format, moving away from its current food court setup. Director of Dining Services Don Stanwick reported that the new layout will include a dedicated sushi counter and redesigned made-to-order offerings, including pasta. Notably, Godfather’s Pizza will relocate to an enclosed patio near Madison Street, enhancing dining diversity.
This renovation follows the closure of the Iowa House Hotel in February 2025, which is being repurposed into a centralized wellness center for student mental health and medical services. The IMU renovation has faced delays since devastating flooding in 2008, which hindered progress until recent funding and planning resumed.
The dining operations will face temporary disruptions, with the catering kitchen also closing during construction. Catering services will shift to a former restaurant space at Sycamore Mall starting March 13, with full operations expected to resume around March 23 after inspections and a brief transition period. Stanwick emphasized the importance of avoiding layoffs during this transition, assuring that student employees have placement options to maintain their schedules.
As the IMU typically welcomes around 4,500 visitors daily, Stanwick anticipates a dispersal of traffic to other dining locations during renovations. Additionally, Christyn Lamar, manager of the Hawk Shop Cafe and Market, highlighted that her team is ramping up operations with new equipment and hiring ahead of spring break. The cafe will also introduce a ramen noodle bar expected to open during the break, aiming to capture the anticipated increase in customer flow.
Stanwick expressed excitement about the renovation’s potential to enhance the campus experience, with plans to incorporate technology and possibly introduce national dining brands. “It is really going to enhance the student experience on campus,” he stated.
This urgent transformation not only reflects a commitment to improving student services but also impacts the daily lives of those relying on the IMU for meals and community. As these changes unfold, students and staff alike remain hopeful for a revitalized dining experience that better meets their needs.
Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and new dining concepts emerge on campus.
