The Board of Trustees’ Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning endorsed the second phase of renovations to the Lasch Football in its Thursday meeting at the Penn Stater. The committee’s recommendation will bring the upgrades to the full board for a vote at its meeting on Friday for final approval.

The upgrades to the Lasch Building were initially approved by the Board of Trustees in its January meeting earlier this year. The $12 million plan, which includes the expansion and renovation of the locker room and equipment room, is being handled by Populous, the same architecture firm heading the athletic facilities master plan.

Phase two will reconfigure the locker room and wet areas and see the installation of Penn State-themed graphics and branding. In the equipment room, work areas and office spaces will be added and a uniform fitting room will be constructed. The university will also reconfigure the parking lot, loading dock, and will upgrade various mechanical systems.

“Our players and staff are very appreciative of the Board’s consideration of upgrades to the Lasch Building,” James Franklin said to Penn State athletics. “I would like to thank everyone who has stepped up to support Penn State and this important project. Our vision is building the best football program in the nation and these upgrades to the football facility are another critical piece of that foundation.”

The first phase of the Lasch Building renovations, which includes the addition of a student-athlete nutrition bar and upgrades to the football team’s auditorium and lobby, is almost complete, and was completely financed by private endowments.

If approved by the board, construction may begin by December, with portions of the building potentially becoming available by next August. The full board will meet Friday at 1:30 at the Penn Stater.