The IMU is a vital facility on the University of Iowa campus. It is often the place where the University makes its first impression on potential students, faculty, and staff. It is also the place where current students come to plan and participate in experiential learning opportunities, meet with classmates, grab a bite to eat and listen to lecturers and concerts.

A facility survey was conducted prior to renovation work for Phase I which supports and enhances the current use of the IMU. A new food court and building expansion was for the first-floor level. The current River Room provides an up to date food area similar to the recently completed food court in Hillcrest Dormitory, with multiple selections and varying cuisines.

A building expansion provides additional capacity for dining and also serves as a lounge space for users. This expansion is a two-story open addition, built immediately west of the River Room, solving not only functional issues with respect to additional dining & lounge space but also providing a vista to the Iowa River and the Arts Campus to the west.

A River Terrace, provides a student gathering place and a venue for small concerts and plays, immediately west of the IMU and along the Iowa River.

The facility survey also addressed a number of deferred maintenance items such as new floor coverings, ballroom lighting system replacement, elevator modernization, fire alarm upgrade and electrical and plumbing upgrades.