Food Court Plans Still Simmering; Union Remodeling Put On Hold by Anne Dolan Renovation plans for the kitchen and commons area on the ground floor of the Memorial Union are on hold, pending an overall plan, both for campus food services -- including the union, residence hall system, Iowa State Center and vending operations -- and renovation of other areas of the facility. After initial plans for a $4.8 million upgrade were announced late last spring, President Martin Jischke requested a broader look at food service needs and delivery on campus. A planning committee spent the summer drafting a comprehensive plan that was submitted in early August to vice presidents Warren Madden (business and finance) and Thomas Thielen (student affairs). They will review the plan and make recommendations to Jischke, who will submit a proposal to the State Board of Regents at an early fall meeting. Madden said the committee proposes a $15 million union project to be completed in three phases over five to 10 years. Phase I covers the kitchen and food court area in the Memorial Union; Phase II covers some renovation of the first floor, fire safety code compliance projects and a new southwest entrance; and Phase III proposes renovation of hotel rooms and the ISU Foundation/ISU Alumni Association office area. Food and operations revenues from the Memorial Union and existing student fees are expected to pay for Phase I; the other two phases could involve student fees and private fund raising, respectively. Madden said plans for the Memorial Union also are tied to anticipated vending changes. Options include a coffee bar/deli in The Hub and a second food outlet in the north part of campus. He said he hopes renovation work to the ground floor of the Memorial Union could begin over winter semester break. _____ contact: Anne Dolan, Internal Communications, (515) 294-7065 updated: 8-17-95