University of Houston Campus Developments

[hindesky]

[bobruss]

Fathers day, my daughter, son in law and grandson took me along to be with my grandson for his first game. We caught the train at this station to ride to Minute Maid for his first baseball game.

I haven't been to a game in the summer when it was this full. It was impressive to see so many people in the stands.

I won the bet on how long the 22 month old would last, and we left in the middle of the 3rd. Heck, it lasted till close to midnight so I wouldn't have 

stayed that late.

Sorry I digressed. This is a huge hangar.  This side of U of H looks so different than the Calhoun side. 

Obviously everything on the west is now new or under construction and with the addition of the rail it takes on a more connected urban feel. 

I cant help but think that a lot of the property across Scott will be under construction sooner than later. Its just so ripe.

[samagon]

8 hours ago, bobruss said:

with the addition of the rail it takes on a more connected urban feel. 

I cant help but think that a lot of the property across Scott will be under construction sooner than later. Its just so ripe.

 

Scott is going to change, all of 3rd ward (especially around UH) is going to change. I can't agree with your current sentiment about Scott street though...

 

Between Wheeler and Holman there's 5' chain link on both sides of the rail, and then there's a sea of parking lot on the UH side. The sea of parking isn't exactly urban, and the fence plus parking sends a pretty clear message of "stay on your side of the street".

 

Between Holman and Elgin it's a constant 8' wall. That definitely sends an even stronger message of "Stay out" to anyone looking across the street. It isn't a good look. I get it, one is the outfield of the baseball field, the other is the wall to keep prying eyes off the practice field. It doesn't change the feel.

 

Maybe you were thinking of Berlin when you were thinking of the Urban feel the street creates?

 

I will agree, once you get on the other side of Elgin going north on Scott, the whole area feels ripe for change, and with the student apartments going up on the NE corner of Scott/Elgin that replace that strip center, it really changes the feel of the area.

 

you know, thinking about it, it would be awesome if the art department worked with some of the local artists to put murals on the more permanent outfield wall that faces Scott, that might help make it feel less unfriendly.

Edited June 20, 2017 by samagon

[bobruss]

I guess I didn't really make myself clear late last night when I wrote this but I don't think the fences are going away since they are a protective 

barrier to people not paying attention close to the rails and Im sure that the U of H was concerned for the student population. That said I still think that even the area across from the stadium will also be developed. Theres just too much money on the east side of the street and with the future residential growth with the development of more dorms on the southeast side I believe that it will become a more productive and valuable property.

You're right though and its unfortunate but with the hurricane fencing and then again the walls around the softball field it does present a no mans zone in . I don't think it has anything to do with stay on your side though. Just safety from the moving train.

I  was just looking at the rail guideways, the new stadium and the new practice field and I guess for some reason there was something interesting in all of the steel and cables and the rail and stadium.

[samagon]

As you say, the fences have real purpose in life, pedestrian safety (especially drunk fans stumbling over to popeyes for some after game snacks) being tops of the list. The intention surely wasn't to create a feeling of 'stay out', but I was driving north on Scott on Saturday morning and with all that fencing, it sure didn't feel inviting looking to the right.

 

It's interesting for sure the different things people see when they are looking at the same place.

[Urbannizer]

 

 

[ale7x]

New Law School building

http://law.uh.edu/building/

 

Quote

A new, modern facility will accelerate UHLC's ascendance to our goal of a top 40 U.S. News & World Report ranking. An ultramodern learning environment will expand faculty resources, galvanize recruitment and attract students with increased  academic credentials. A new UHLC facility will provide modern research space, new clinical facilities, a new library, practice courtrooms and expanded career services space. It will also provide a forum for exclusive events on campus – in which to invite peers from other academic institutions, prominent judges, lawyers and practitioners from across the country – to legal and policy symposia, conferences and social events reflective of this great institution. To construct this state-of-the-art facility, the Law Center has set a goal of securing $10 million in commitments from private donors, supporters and friends of UHLC, to supplement public and other sources of funding.

 

 

 

[KinkaidAlum]

I'm surprised it has taken this long. I love saving old buildings but the law school is beyond saving. It's dark, damp, and flood prone. It's also just plain ugly. 

[Mab]

 

from cougar pride 

[ale7x]

 

[samagon]

Does anyone have any updated info on the old Chinese Star building?

 

They were kicked out at the end of last fall semester, and there was a big deal in the DC about students having an option on what replaces it, but I haven't seen/heard anything since then.

[KyleJohnstonNet]

As the prime food contractor, Aramark had control over any new use of the property for food. UH just rebid their food services contract this past spring and switched to a new company who I assume now has control of the property and is probably starting from scratch to plan a use for it.

That said, UH rebid their food services contract after an audit recommended changes. (They were auditing all departments of A&F.) If you could find that full audit report it might have recommendations about the use of the property which might have been included as requirements in the RFP for the new food services contract.

Edited July 20, 2017 by KyleJohnstonNet

[ale7x]

 

 

[Rube88]

From Saturday..would be nice to see some red neon highlights on the edges. Hard to tell, but the UH logo is lighted.

[cspwal]

Step 1.  Renovate the stadium and ensure there's a great view of downtown from inside the stadium

Step 2.  Build a training center that directly blocks that view

[Rube88]

1 hour ago, cspwal said:

Step 1.  Renovate the stadium and ensure there's a great view of downtown from inside the stadium

Step 2.  Build a training center that directly blocks that view

 

This was taken from the 1st row of the upper level. Might still have a decent DT view from the upper rows. I would have taken a pic from there, but those steps are brutal especially with a bone spur in my heel. LOL

[Urbannizer]

 

[Emma91]

On 21.11.2004 at 5:27 AM, UrbaNerd said:

LOL, everything in Houston is named after some rich oil dude/dudette!

lol that's right)

[ale7x]

 

[HoustonIsHome]

Looks like a Joe Vs.

[Urbannizer]

On 12/21/2015 at 10:04 AM, Urbannizer said:

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/12/massive-innovation-center-to-be-built-at.html

 

 

 

http://www.mengwenli.com/Center-for-University-Entrepreneurship

 

Clients, Texas Collegiate Regional Center (TCRC), plan to facilitate the partnership with University of Houston System in the development of companies based on the intellectual property developed as Energy Research Park (ERP). TCRC will construct the facility on a lease ground of a site approximately 1.88 acres in the ERP. Clients' purpose is to put research staff and students from different department of UH working together with private investors to do the research & development projects. It will have labs & high tech facilities.

From TDCK
A two phases of design and construction is planned in the lease site by TDCK Architects Inc.The gross area for each phase is about 75,000 sf. The function is office for high-tech research. The major program includes office spaces, public meeting rooms, and one central laboratory for the first phase. The two main exterior covered entrance plazas face to the north and south and become a part of the green trail system for UH. The covered plaza combining with courtyard is the place for outside activities throughout seasons. Creating flexible working area for the potential tenant is the goal, least column structural system shall be desirable. 

The "U Shape Courtyard" with its green space provides comfortable view for the tenants, as well as raises the value for the project and ERP. As the same time courtyard can be the ideal place for outdoor activity for tenants, UH students and faculties, as well as the visitors. The opening facing east creates an interesting space with the eastern building. 

The "Shadow Catcher" is the vital design concept for the energy saving. The triangular windows orient to the south for adjusting the environmental impaction. For the aesthetic, the triangular window catches the shadow on the building facade. Along with the time changing, the shadow becomes a rhythm and dynamic pattern of the building and gets a strong expression.

The major program includes office spaces, public meeting rooms, and one central laboratory for the first phase. The two main exterior covered entrance plazas face to the north and south and become a part of the green trail system for UH. The covered plaza combining with courtyard is the place for outside activities throughout seasons.

Sustainability is the goals of the project to meet LEED compliance. The design focuses on energy efficient and environment friendly including optimize system, take advantage of renewable resource. 

The main orientation of the building faces south-west. The passive solar strategy is the main concept of the design to minimize the solar gain in the summer and solar loss in the winter. The feature of triangular window adjusts the orientation of fenestration to maximum get the day light and reduces the thermal radiation and A/C loads. Orientation of windows will be carefully computed. 

The maximum of the office depth is 25 feet, which is the optimal way for using natural day light for working space. Using dimmer LED light fixture is recommended for the entire office building space.

 

[hindesky]

[Houston19514]

On 11/16/2017 at 11:10 PM, CrockpotandGravel said:

From the University of Houston College of Medicine report regarding the facility:
 

The new UH College of Medicine will require a significant amount of space in which to operate on the campus as it grows to full enrollment. Given the length of time it takes for capital budget requests, approvals, design and construction of a new facility, temporary space must be identified for the new college. University officials have identified space on several floors in the new Health and Biomedical Sciences Building Phase II (HBSB-2) currently nearing completion. After careful examination of College of Medicine interim space needs a “test it” of the identified space (floors 8 and 9), the consulting architectural team concluded that the available space in HBSB2 could meet the clinical instructional and administrative needs for a limited time period, with additional once  space available on the 6th floor. HBSB-2 could serve as a temporary home to the College of Medicine for three  planning years and the first two years of initial enrollment. Such an arrangement would provide the necessary  facilities and resources for attaining preliminary LCME accreditation. The temporary facility would house a small  number of students (anticipated maximum of 60), as well as administrators, faculty, and staff while the College of  Medicine grows. Interim space needs to service the temporary College of Medicine facility are based on faculty,  staf, and student projections. Assuming enrollment build out as outlined over a 10-year period beginning with  the charter class of 30 students in Fall 2020, a new permanent facility would need to be available by Fall 2022.

 

The total project costs (current dollars) for developing College of Medicine space in HBSB-2 is dependent upon the end stage of build-out resulting from the current construction effort. 

 

- An estimated project cost of $13.1 million will be required to build out the two floors of HBSB-2 to meet the College of Medicine needs. 

 

- The permanent College of Medicine facility will be built on campus, similar in scope/cost of HBSB-2, but adjusted to the smaller project size. An on-campus utilities facility with existing parking (no cost  for added parking) is included in the Capital Cost Analysis. Total Project Costs are estimated to be $80 million (current dollars).

 

 

https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/4249309/COM-BORdocument111417.pdf

 

Hmmm... remember all the commotion a while back about one university encroaching on another and stepping on toes etc etc etc? 

 

I guess UH's motto is "Do As I Say, Not As I Do."

 

 

Edited November 30, 2017 by Houston19514

[arbpro]

1 hour ago, Houston19514 said:

 

Hmmm... remember all the commotion a while back about one university encroaching on another and stepping on toes etc etc etc? 

 

I guess UH's motto is "Do As I Say, Not As I Do."

 

 

Good grief. The Medical School will be built on the school's MAIN CAMPUS and not in Austin. UT can build all the research facilities it wants on its main campus. Get it? Not too hard to figure out. 

[Urbannizer]

http://uh.edu/news-events/stories/2017/december/12132017Hines.php

 

Global developer Gerald D. Hines and internationally known artist Barbara Hines have made a leadership gift of $1 million to the University of Houston to support construction of a new Advanced Media Technology Laboratory at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. The gift is a part of the university’s $1 billion “Here, We Go” Campaign.

 

The Advanced Media Technology Laboratory will be at the forefront of digital design exploration, fostering the advancement of a variety of media, digital technologies and new fabrication techniques. The laboratory will promote research and collaboration across the university. It will also be home to a variety of applied research investigations. Chief among them are materials research, building envelope investigation, social design and prototyping for mass production.

The gift will allow students to research, design and fabricate prototypes using the latest advanced technologies, all while working with renowned faculty in a space dedicated to material research and design methodologies.

 

[bobruss]

This is something that can really put U of H in the forefront of Media tech. 

 

[EllenOlenska]

Is there a map of prospective structures on UH's main campus floating somewhere? 

[KinkaidAlum]

Looks like the Industrial Design program is only going to get stronger! 

[htine]

On 12/14/2017 at 10:32 PM, Urbannizer said:

http://uh.edu/news-events/stories/2017/december/12132017Hines.php

 

 

 

 

 

I believe that's also the first look at the next parking garage that they're going to build. 

[Timoric]

-

Edited July 12, 2019 by Timoric

[bobruss]

14 hours ago, htine said:

 

I believe that's also the first look at the next parking garage that they're going to build. 

I think your right. So this is going in in the existing adjacent parking lot to the north of the architecture and arts buildings. The art department will also have a new sculpture lab for 

students and some class rooms I believe. Exciting times for both Rice and U of H.

[Urbannizer]

http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/fpc-projects/spotlight/Quad-housing-replacement/

 

Quad housing replacement now in construction phase. 1200 beds

 

[Urbannizer]

On 2/6/2018 at 1:31 AM, Urbannizer said:

http://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/fpc-projects/spotlight/Quad-housing-replacement/

 

Quad housing replacement now in construction phase. 1200 beds

 

 

Webcam: https://www.uh.edu/infotech/services/webcam/more-cameras.php

[ale7x]

 

[skooljunkie]

...just saw this announcement back in March:

http://hcp1.net/News/post/commissioner-ellis-announces-street-repairs-around-tsu-and-uh

 

Quote

 

The goal is to create streets that are attractive and a source of neighborhood pride, while improving safety and accessibility to all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders.

In addition to roadway work, the project also includes drainage improvements, which will help reduce street flooding during heavy rain.

 

 

Quote

 

The streets in the TSU area are Cleburne (Emancipation to Scott); Blodgett (Scott to Ennis); and Attucks (Cleburne to Wheeler).

The streets near UH are Cullen (Interstate 45 to North MacGregor); Wheeler (Cullen to Scott); Elgin (Scott to I-45); and Holman (Scott to Cullen).

“This project will significantly enhance the gateways into these great institutions by creating a beautiful streetscape for students and residents,” Commissioner Ellis said. “The improvements also will help hundreds of Houston residents who attend classes and work at the universities".

 

 

[Mab]

 

 

[TheSirDingle]

The Briefest of Summaries: Dec 1 will be the first game against Oregon, woman's first game will be against TAMU Dec 5. A few other details, and a slideshow showing some renderings, and construction photos. 

https://www.chron.com/sports/cougars/article/Fertitta-Center-open-Dec-1-UH-Oregon-basketball-13024051.php

 

[cougarpad]

https://m.chron.com/local/prognosis/article/UH-regents-to-select-site-for-planned-medical-13393415.php

 

https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=43499082

 

Renu Kator presented plans to the UH board for the location of the new medical college. It looks like the location has been narrowed down to a demoing a current UH building in the Med Center or building it across from Magregor Park. 

 

I personally prefer the Magregor Park location. It is basically on campus and next to a light rail stop. Also being next to campus would allow for better corroboration with other UH colleges. If it is in the Med Center it will be isolated and not feel at all like part of UH and not have any of the University's culture.

Edited November 15, 2018 by cougarpad

[EllenOlenska]

Saw this. Cool of you posting it. The McGregor Park location does make a lot of sense. 

Thanks for the link. 

Edited November 15, 2018 by EllenOlenska

[EllenOlenska]

Just saw on twitter that they selected the McGregor location. 

[Highrise Tower]

Great decision! The area of campus should continue to grow and become more modern

Edited November 15, 2018 by ekdrm2d1

[august948]

The Chron article says the site next to campus is 43 acres, which I assume means UH owns all those woods across MLK from MacGregor park.  That will be a huge expansion for the university if they eventually fill that up.  If they do, there would be four light rail stations along the edge of UH.  Most schools are lucky to get one.  Metrorail might become another way to get around campus. 

[htownbro]

This will bring about greater improvements in that area.  Can you say gentrification?  Excellent location too.

[texas911]

I disagree about it not being at the med center. It should be in the med center so that they can mingle with professionals in their field. Lots of them! Plus its great advertising to the thousands of patients that go to the med center.

[Twinsanity02]

Just make sure it doesn't flood. I worked at UT Med. Back in 2001 the basement and first floor flooded. What a disaster that was. 

[cougarpad]

23 minutes ago, texas911 said:

I disagree about it not being at the med center. It should be in the med center so that they can mingle with professionals in their field. Lots of them! Plus its great advertising to the thousands of patients that go to the med center.

I believe if they put it in the med center then they can't count it towards the numbers for the academic rankings of UH and it would have to be counted separately. Renu has been making it a priority to raise the UH main campus's academic rankings and possibly AAU.

[cougarpad]

1 hour ago, august948 said:

The Chron article says the site next to campus is 43 acres, which I assume means UH owns all those woods across MLK from MacGregor park.  That will be a huge expansion for the university if they eventually fill that up.  If they do, there would be four light rail stations along the edge of UH.  Most schools are lucky to get one.  Metrorail might become another way to get around campus. 

You are correct it is that wooded property.

[Highrise Tower]

Will Fertitta be donating to this? 

[Highrise Tower]

Photo of the site per click2houston.com

https://www.click2houston.com/news/site-chosen-for-uhs-college-of-medicine

 

[Houston19514]

1 hour ago, cougarpad said:

I believe if they put it in the med center then they can't count it towards the numbers for the academic rankings of UH and it would have to be counted separately. Renu has been making it a priority to raise the UH main campus's academic rankings and possibly AAU.

 

Not true. Being physically separated from the main campus would not interfere with AAU or other academic rankings.  I think this is a mistake.  They should put it at the medical center site.