The University of Nebraska at Kearney held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of work on a new Wellness Center and improvements to two residence halls.

The Tuesday ceremony started at the site of a future 19,000-square-foot Wellness Center. When finished in May 2014, it will include a fitness center with space for the university’s exercise science education and research programs. Besides the center, there are plans for 4,000 square feet of renovations to student recreation areas and classrooms.

Students voted to authorize the $6.5 million project in 2005. It’s funded through the University of Nebraska Foundation and student fees.

Officials also marked $1.3 million in work to Randall and Mantor residence halls, including a public lobby, mailboxes and improved heating and cooling systems.