photo by: University of Kansas/Hunden Strategic Partners

A conceptual rendering of how the area around the KU football stadium could develop at 11th and Mississippi streets is shown. Proposals for the site have included a conference center, hotel, retail, restaurants and student housing.

The University of Kansas has confirmed that it plans next week to make a significant “campaign announcement” regarding its $300 million renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

In a press release Kansas Athletics said it would be hosting a campaign announcement on Aug. 15 about the project. Chancellor Douglas Girod had previously told the Journal-World that new renderings and hopefully announcements related to donor funding for the project would be revealed in mid-August.

The detail about the Aug. 15 event was included in a Monday press release announcing that KU had selected Turner Construction, one of the largest construction firms in the country, to serve as construction manager for the stadium renovation.

KU is still accepting proposals from companies interested in serving as a master developer for the entire Gateway District, as KU is calling the area around the stadium at 11th and Mississippi streets. The Gateway District is expected to have a conference center, which will be built into the stadium, a hotel, a health care facility, student housing, retail and other components.

As for the selection of Turner as the construction manager, KU cited Turner’s work on many major sporting facilities in the region, including Arrowhead Stadium, Children’s Mercy Park, the Kansas Speedway and Allen Fieldhouse.

KU has said it wants to start construction on the stadium portion of the project shortly after KU’s home football season concludes later this year.