MANHATTAN -In April of 2013 over 75 percent of the Student Body at K-State voted to increase the student privilege fee for students taking classes on the Manhattan campus effective fall 2014, in order to fund a renovation of the Student Union.

Over two years later the University has broken ground on that project.

“This is just really another project towards us making sure that our campus, and our facilities are reminiscent of a top 50 public research University,” said Kirk Schulz, KSU President.

The renovation will include a new south facade, updated retail spaces, enhanced dining facilities and even a sports bar, which is something that is starting to become popular at other Universities across the nation according to Andy Hurtig, Kansas State Student Body President.

“I think maybe in the past years it was more of just a sensitivity issue, putting a sports bar in a Union,” said Hurtig. “But we see it as a great draw for students. It will be something that students can get excited about, something that prospective students and their parents can try out when they come to campus and alumni when they come back for game days. It will just be a really cool place that people identify that’s on campus instead of going someplace that is off of campus.”

The renovation is expected to begin on September 8th. The Union will remain open, with certain sections blocked off at certain times due to the renovation.