HERSHEY -- Guests at the expanded Nittany Lion Inn will have to do without a dip in the pool, but they can party in the Jacuzzi.

Eliminating a swimming pool was one of the modifications made in the expansion plans to keep within the $15 million budget, said James Wagner, associate vice president of business and operations. The planned Jacuzzi was some consolation, he said.

During a Saturday presentation to the University Board of Trustees, Wagner summarized the final plans for the expansion that will more than double the square footage of the inn. The plans also call for the renovation of all public areas of the building.

A $15 million loan from the University will fund the expansion. The loan is to be repaid over 25 years with an interest rate of 7.5 percent, according to University documents.

The trustees unanimously authorized Saturday a proposal to obtain bids and award contracts for the project.

The new entrance of the inn will face north toward Park Avenue, Wagner said. One of the biggest planning concerns is preserving the Georgian architecture of the building, he said.

About 132,000 square feet will be added to the area of the 112,000 square foot structure. The space will allow for an expanded kitchen area, a new atrium dining room, an alumni ballroom, lounges, meeting rooms, a new lobby and 136 additional guest rooms. The renovations will involve 32000 square feet -- including the Fireside Room.

The project is important to the University for a number of reasons, said Steve Garban, senior vice president for finance and operations and treasurer. It is an educational tool for courses in hotel/restaurant and institutional management as well as a refuge for alumni, he said.

The Nittany Lion Inn is an auxiliary enterprise of the University and therefore self-supporting. The University runs these operations, including the Penn State Bookstore, to provide needed services and allow educational opportunities.