The Nittany Lion Inn just had a makeover.

The inn underwent renovations designed to increase its size and cater to University students' and alumni's needs.

The renovations include the addition of 136 rooms, a board room, a gift shop operated by the Penn State Bookstore and a health spa.

The additions began in October 1990 and were finished three weeks ago.

Jim Purdum, manager of operations, said the renovations are "the new spirit of the inn."

The renovations were supported by a $15 million independent fund-raiser and are geared toward attracting Penn State students, faculty and Commonwealth Campuses, he said. Purdum said he aims to make the facility accessible by offering not only a convenient location on campus, but also an affordable price.

"We have lots of rooms and lots of space, and most of the time it's available space," Purdum said.

The inn's managers hope to "fulfill an educational mission" and enhance work experience by allowing architecture students to use land near the inn's new lounge as a classroom. Students will be allowed to practice landscaping skills there.

But the department of architecture and landscaping has not been informed of the program's details, said Neil Porterfield, the department's head.

The renovations didn't inconvenience the inn's guests, said Pierre Berthiaume, a logistics manager from Montreal, visiting State College for an executive program.

"It's not finished yet, but it's going to be nice," Berthiaume said.

More renovations -- although not yet approved by the University Board of Trustees -- are slated to begin in late November and include the renovation of former guest rooms and the main dining room. Those changes will mark the end of the third addition to the Nittany Lion Inn since 1931.

"It really is a fresh start for the Nittany Lion Inn at Penn State, and we're really excited about it," Purdum said.