Since opening, the building has undergone two significant renovations. The first major renovation, completed in 1976, was widely criticized for its adverse effect on the building's exterior. However, this was largely corrected between 1999 and 2003 during the second major renovation. The second renovation restored the exterior, thoroughly renovated the interior, and greatly expanded the basement floors to include the main University of Minnesota Bookstore, food vendors, offices, lounges, and the glass "Cube" which sits adjacent to Washington Avenue. The project required the building to be closed for a period of three years.