Indiana Memorial Union

Indiana Memorial Union is a historic building located on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, designed by renowned architects John Carl Warnecke and Edward Durell Stone. The building serves as a memorial to Indiana University students who died in World War I and has been a central part of campus life since its completion in 1932, hosting various events and activities, including those organized by the Indiana University Student Association and the Indiana University Alumni Association. It has also been a popular venue for conferences and events, including the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music performances. The building's design and construction were made possible through the efforts of Herman B Wells, William Lowe Bryan, and other notable figures associated with Indiana University.

● History

The history of the building dates back to the 1920s, when Indiana University began planning a memorial to honor its students who died in World War I, with input from The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The construction of the building was overseen by John Carl Warnecke and Edward Durell Stone, who also designed other notable buildings, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the New York Times Building. The building was dedicated on Armistice Day in 1932, with a ceremony attended by Indiana Governor Harry G. Leslie, United States Senator Arthur R. Robinson, and other dignitaries, including representatives from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Over the years, the building has hosted numerous events and activities, including concerts by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley, as well as speeches by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela.

● Architecture

The architecture of the building is a blend of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, with a grand Ionic facade and a large clock tower that is reminiscent of the University of Virginia's The Rotunda and the United States Capitol building. The building's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and Daniel Burnham, and features a grand lobby with a marble floor and a staircase that is similar to those found in the New York Public Library and the Library of Congress. The building's exterior is made of limestone and features a series of bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Indiana University's history, including the founding of the university by Indiana State Legislature and the establishment of the Indiana University School of Medicine.

● Facilities

The building features a range of facilities, including a hotel, a restaurant, a bookstore, and a bowling alley, as well as meeting and event spaces, including the Grand Ballroom and the Fraternity Room, which have hosted events such as the Indiana University Dance Marathon and the Midwest Music Festival. The building is also home to the Indiana University Alumni Association and the Indiana University Foundation, and features a museum that showcases the history of Indiana University and its alumni, including Jimmy Wales, Mark Cuban, and John Mellencamp. The building's facilities are managed by Aramark and Sodexo, and are available for use by Indiana University students, faculty, and staff, as well as by the general public.

● Student Life

The building is a central part of Indiana University student life, with many students visiting the building to attend events, grab a bite to eat, or simply hang out with friends, often in the Starbucks cafe or the food court, which features a range of options, including Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Panda Express. The building is also home to several student organizations, including the Indiana University Student Association and the Indiana University Graduate and Professional Student Organization, which have hosted events such as the Indiana University Cultural Festival and the Midwest Graduate and Professional Student Conference. The building's game room and lounge areas are popular spots for students to relax and socialize, and feature a range of activities, including pool tables, foosball tables, and video games.

● Renovations_and_Expansion

Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in the 1980s that added a new wing to the building and updated the building's mechanical systems, with input from The American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. More recently, the building has undergone a series of smaller renovations, including the addition of new elevators and the renovation of the building's restrooms, which were designed by HOK and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The building is currently undergoing a major renovation, which will add new meeting and event spaces, as well as update the building's sustainability features, with the goal of achieving LEED certification, similar to the Bank of America Tower and the One Bryant Park building.

● Location_and_Accessibility

The building is located in the heart of the Indiana University campus, within walking distance of Dunn's Woods, The Indiana Memorial Stadium, and the Jacobs School of Music, and is accessible by bus and bike, with several Indiana University Campus Bus routes stopping nearby, including the Route 6 and Route 9 buses. The building is also close to several parking garages, including the Henderson Parking Garage and the Atwater Parking Garage, which offer parking options for visitors and students, including those with disabilities. The building's location and accessibility make it a popular destination for students, faculty, and staff, as well as for visitors to the Indiana University campus, including those attending events at the Indiana University Auditorium and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.