Lang
2/28/25
Uncertainty over federal funding has led the Iowa Board of Regents to reject the University of Iowa’s request for money to renovate the Iowa Memorial Union.
The regents decided on Thursday that with the current slashing of the federal budget and the Trump administration’s attack on federal funding to universities, the future was just too murky to dedicate to the requested $81.4 million project.
Under the proposed improvements, the south entrance to the IMU would have been renovated to improve the area between the IMU and Hubbard Park by removing vehicle access to create a pedestrian plaza and providing a direct connection to the river corridor and river terrace on the west side of the building.
The former area of the Iowa House Hotel would have been converted to space for student health and wellness services. University Counseling Service and Student Health, which are in the Westlawn building, would have then relocated to the IMU.