Renovations at the IU Bookstore at the Indiana Memorial Union include aesthetic changes and shifting some merchandise to new spaces. Photo by Andrew Russell, Division of Student AffairsWhen fall semester classes begin at Indiana University Bloomington, several renovation projects in the Indiana Memorial Union that expand seating, improve spaces and enhance visitor experiences will be nearly complete.

The completed improvements include:

• Aesthetic changes to the IU Bookstore, including new flooring and light fixtures, and new entrances.
• Additional seating in the IMU for students to hang out or study.
• The addition of two all-gender bathrooms and other bathroom upgrades near Whittenberger Auditorium and the Georgian Room.
• A resurfaced parking lot by the IMU that has 240 spaces.

The technology center has moved to the second floor of the bookstore, which is the first floor of the IMU. Photo by Andrew Russell, Division of Student Affairs“In the eight years I’ve been here, we’ve been continually trying to upgrade different parts of the building to make it both meet the needs of today’s campus and honor the tradition and history of IU at the same time,” said Hank Walter, IMU executive director.

“The Bookstore is brighter with the new flooring, wall coverings and fixtures, and some things have been rearranged,” he added. “There’s a gift section when you first come in by Sugar and Spice, and an expanded convenience section at that end. That should help people find things quicker and easier.”

The technology center moved to the second floor of the bookstore, which is the first floor of the IMU, where women’s and youth apparel are as well. The first floor features an expanded area for men’s apparel and convenience items, Walter said.

Also, The Container Store will have a temporary pop-up store in the open space on the first floor of the bookstore that’s surrounded by the balcony. There, students can buy containers and bins for storage and organization, Walter said, and the hours will be the same as the bookstore’s.

Two soon-to-be-completed improvements include:

• Reopening the door between the IU Bookstore and the South Lounge, next to its well-known fireplace.
• Expanding the area around a stage adjacent to the main floor’s Whitfield Grill for events, which will add about 75 seats and bring in natural light. The work should be completed this fall, Walter said.

Vault Pub nears opening

The Vault Pub will open this fall in the IMU. Photo by Peter Storm, Division of Student AffairsA new space will open this fall in the Indiana Memorial Union: The Vault Pub, in the former Dunn Meadow Café space.

It will feature local craft beers, wine and pub food, plus entertainment on an indoor stage and its outdoor patio.

“I hope when people come back to the Union and see the changes in the bookstore and see The Vault Pub and see the live music outdoors on the patio that it kind of reminds them of all their connections to IU, and even strengthens that and makes them feel like they belong here and this is their Union,” Walter said. “They’ll be able to sit on the patio overlooking the Campus River and Dunn Meadow with food and a drink and reflect on that.”

Kirk Johannesen is a communications consultant in the Office of the Vice President for Communications and Marketing.