photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

Part of a common sitting area at the fourth floor of the Kansas Union that has been stripped away. KU announced Friday that the fourth floor lobby would undergo renovations that aim to providing an "inviting space" for the community.

The University of Kansas announced Friday that two portions of the Kansas Union will undergo renovations, with the aim of creating a more welcoming environment for students.

KU announced that the Level Four lobby and the Jayhawk Ink space located on Level Two will undergo renovations that hope to “elevate both daily use and encourage special gatherings,” according to a press release. The renovations are in partnership with Dimensional Innovations, a design team based in Overland Park.

Some of the updates to the Level Four lobby include new floors, updated ceiling coves and a new look for the CoffeeHouse and lounge area, according to the release. The renovations will include other features like a fireplace and a long community table that aims to create more opportunities for collaboration between students.

Jack Kredo, the union’s executive director, said in a press release the renovations come from “years of feedback,” and they will “offer an inviting space for all visitors to enjoy.”

photo by: Screenshot from KU

Rendering of planned renovations on the fourth level for the Kansas Union.

Construction work has already begun on the fourth floor lobby. One of the entrances was closed Friday morning as crews appeared to be working on renovating the floor. Other areas of Level Four were tapped off from the public, with one hallway remaining open.

Along with the updates to the common area, the renovations will feature a Memorial Wall that will serve as a memorial to the 130 Jayhawks who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Each student or alumni will be represented on the wall with a photo, according to Kredo, and the area will serve as a place where community members could come to pay respects.

The area around Jayhawk Ink on Level Two of the Union will also undergo a renovation that will include a “new media wall with a 90-inch TV” and an updated accent wall that will feature an acrylic Jayhawk, according to the release. Krebo said the space could offer a “one-of-a-kind experience for hosting unforgettable events or watch parties.”

Despite the renovations, Krebo said there should be “minimal disruptions” during the construction. He hopes the renovations can make the campus community a “stronger sense of connection” in the space.

“The union is very much the heart and soul of our university, and we want each and every person who enters to feel right at home,” Krebo said.

photo by: Bremen Keasey/Journal-World

A sign outside a closed entrance at the Kansas Union. Crews appeared to be working on removing parts of the floor for replacement, and KU announced Friday two parts of the union would undergo renovations.