The Lied Center at Kansas University will mark an expansion project with a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday.

Christina Hixson, sole trustee of the Ernst F. Lied Foundation Trust, is scheduled to appear at the event. She directed the $10 million gift from the trust that helped fund the building’s construction.

Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little is also set to speak at the event.

A $2.5 million gift from the trust will fund an expansion of the Lied Center’s lobby space, construction of an education pavilion, additional office space and displays about the history of the Lied Foundation Trust.

An additional $300,000 gift from the William T. Kemper Foundation will further expand the Lied Center’s foyer.

“The lobby will basically be doubled in size,” said Tim Van Leer, executive director of the Lied Center.

Construction on the lobby area will begin this summer, and should be completed before the fall season, Van Leer said.

The rest of the improvements are scheduled to be completed by spring 2011.

The work is being scheduled with the hopes that it won’t affect the Lied Center’s event schedule, Van Leer said.

The groundbreaking event, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday in front of the Lied Center, is open to the public. In case of rain, the event will be held inside on the Lied Center stage.