These days, the river side of the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) is a flurry of construction activity, but it will soon have a new look that is likely to attract large numbers of students, faculty, staff and community members to the river’s edge. The River Terrace project (phase I, package 2 of the IMU renovation), which offers to invigorate the campus connection with and appreciation of the river, is scheduled to be complete August 1, 2006.

River Terrace is an outdoor amphitheater space consisting of three tiers of limestone walls with grass in between for seating and a 12’ x 60’ stage area near the river. The amphitheater is designed for large gatherings of 300-500 people for activities such as concerts, rallies, catering events, small stage productions and student organization fairs. The addition of a theater-side patio with dining tables presents the opportunity to enjoy a meal against the backdrop of the river and entertainment. “River Terrace will add more variety and function to the IMU and will be nicer for students, faculty, staff, the community and visitors,” said Beverly Robalino, Facilities Management project manager.

The designated terrace area stretches from the pedestrian bridge and lily pond on the north side of the IMU to the parking lot and turnaround on the south side of the building. The stage wall is wired with power outlets to accommodate the electricity needs of the performers. Stepping stones out to the river’s edge provide a closer view of the Iowa River and the surrounding habitat. The traditional globe lights that have long lined the river walkways will be continued throughout the River Terrace area.

A lower patio will be available for coffee house style entertainment (comedians, films, acoustic music). This patio is adjacent to the Wheel Room, in the same location as the original outdoor patio, only slightly larger. There is space for approximately 100 people in this area.  Daily use will be casual for eating and studying.

“River Terrace builds a strong connection between the IMU and the Iowa River by engaging users and visitors with the river in a way that hasn’t been available previously,” said Rod Lehnertz, director of Facilities Management Campus and Facilities Planning.

River Terrace will be an integral part of River Park, a proposed area outlined in the Campus Master Plan. The Campus Master Plan looks at the river and the landscape as one dynamic, interactive, and ecological system. "A major message in our new Campus Master Plan is improvement of and engagement with our open green spaces.  The Iowa River is our strongest natural resource and this project is the start of many future efforts to strengthen our connections to the river," said Lehnertz.