December, 2, 2021 – The synchronized sound of lecturing professors, inquisitive young scholars and clicking keyboards resonating across the University of Houston campus signifies the collective advancement of knowledge and discovery. In recent semesters, however, that sweet harmony of higher education in action has been met by another sound – jackhammers, forklifts and bulldozers.

While noisy at times, the construction of new buildings for the College of Medicine and Law Center, and the expansion of the Hilton University of Houston, means a much brighter future for students and the communities they serve. 

Building a New Medical Reality

Architectural rendering of the College of Medicine building (Courtesy: Page/SLAM)

Architectural rendering of the College of Medicine building (Courtesy: Page/SLAM)

On Nov. 3, University of Houston President Renu Khator welcomed elected officials, members of the UH System Board of Regents, other University leadership, donors, medical students, faculty and staff to an exclusive preview of the $80 million medical school building.

Slated to open in the summer of 2022, the three-story, 130,000-square-foot building is located on 43-acres along Martin Luther King Boulevard and will feature modern classroom and meeting spaces, and state-of-the art anatomy and simulation suites. Construction began in June 2020 and is approximately 60% complete.

"The University of Houston College of Medicine will play a pivotal role in creating a healthier and safer future for the entire state of Texas.”
Gov. Greg Abbott
medical students listening to speakers

UH medical students and other distinguished guests listen to the panel of speakers.

UH medical students and other distinguished guests listen to the panel of speakers.

“I cannot tell you how important this is for us. This is for the city, it’s also for the state,” said Khator.

The city of Houston’s first new medical school in nearly a half-century was founded on a social mission to improve health and health care in underserved communities in Houston and across Texas by addressing health inequities and the shortage of primary care physicians.

“This new facility, combined with outstanding faculty and community partners, will ensure that doctors who graduate from the University of Houston have the skills they need to succeed,” Abbott said.

“More than that, the University of Houston College of Medicine will play a pivotal role in creating a healthier and safer future for the entire state of Texas,” he added.

Khator talking to Gov. Abbott

UH President Renu Khator visits with Gov. Greg Abbott at the College of Medicine "Exclusive Preview."

UH President Renu Khator visits with Gov. Greg Abbott at the College of Medicine "Exclusive Preview."

Not only does the medical school serve the community, but also elevates the University as it endeavors to become a Top 50 public university in the nation. Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the UH System Board of Regents, has been instrumental in its development.

“When you have a medical school that’s going to be the caliber of this, it puts us on a different level, and helps us accomplish all the goals we want to accomplish,” said Fertitta.

Earlier this year, the College of Medicine became an official member of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. The first two classes of 60 medical students are currently learning in the Health 2 building, the medical school’s temporary home until the new building is complete. At full enrollment, the medical school will have 480 students.

"Being present at the preview was special to me. UH College of Medicine is my home – I spend countless hours studying and hanging out with my classmates,” said Nabeel Ahmad, a member of the college’s inaugural class. Ahmad, a former high school science teacher, is pursuing a medical career to address the many health issues he noticed in his inner-city classroom. “Walking the halls through the new building made me feel excited for what's to come next year."

band playing instruments

The UH band welcomes the panel of speakers.

The UH band welcomes the panel of speakers.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

(L to R) UH president Renu Khator, UHS Board Chair Tilman Fertitta, Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Sen. Joan Huffman, Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

(L to R) Renu Khator, UH president; Tilman Fertitta, UHS Board of Regents Chairman; Gov. Greg Abbott; Texas Sen. Joan Huffman; Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

(L to R) Renu Khator, UH president; Tilman Fertitta, UHS Board of Regents Chairman; Gov. Greg Abbott; Texas Sen. Joan Huffman; Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

Item 1 of 5
band playing instruments

The UH band welcomes the panel of speakers.

The UH band welcomes the panel of speakers.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Architectural rendering of main entrance and lobby.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

Medical students Breanna Chachere and Nabeel Ahmad.

(L to R) UH president Renu Khator, UHS Board Chair Tilman Fertitta, Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Sen. Joan Huffman, Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

(L to R) Renu Khator, UH president; Tilman Fertitta, UHS Board of Regents Chairman; Gov. Greg Abbott; Texas Sen. Joan Huffman; Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

(L to R) Renu Khator, UH president; Tilman Fertitta, UHS Board of Regents Chairman; Gov. Greg Abbott; Texas Sen. Joan Huffman; Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

Architectural rendering of building (aerial).

The John M. O'Quinn Law Building

Architectural rendering of John M. O'Quinn Law Building (Courtesy: Shepley Bulfinch)

Architectural rendering of John M. O'Quinn Law Building (Courtesy: Shepley Bulfinch)

Architectural rendering of John M. O'Quinn Law Building (Courtesy: Shepley Bulfinch)

On Nov. 10, the UH Law Center hosted an exclusive, invitation-only preview of the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building, which will be the newest law school building in the state and one of the newest in the country. The $93 million high-tech complex will enhance student learning and faculty teaching capabilities while drawing industry leaders to the UH Law Center, increasing its economic and social impact across the state, region and the world.

“We’re going to have a world-class building that will be reflective of the character and caliber of the Law Center,” said Leonard M. Baynes, dean of the Law Center. “When we first started this effort, people felt we wouldn’t raise $1 million. It shows the power of philanthropy. It shows the power of having a vision.”

UH Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes

UH Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes.

UH Law Center Dean Leonard M. Baynes.

The five-story, 180,000 square-foot facility will replace the UH Law Center’s current building complex – more than half of which is underground and has sustained consistent storm damage through the years. Construction is 70% complete.

Scheduled to open for the fall 2022 semester, the building features a glass-fronted lobby, multi-level library, and modern technology and amenities throughout, giving the UHLC's approximately 800 students the resources that will ensure their success. A multi-purpose event room and flexible classroom spaces will enable greater outreach to the community for clinical services, educational workshops, conferences and judicial proceedings. 

State Senator John Whitmire, dean of the Texas Senate, celebrated the bright future the new building will provide for students.

“You’ve established a facility on campus that will serve students for years to come,” he said.

Texas Sen. John Whitmire, District 15 and Texas Senator Royce West, District 23

Texas Sen. John Whitmire, District 15 and Texas Senator Royce West, District 23.

Texas Sen. John Whitmire, District 15 and Texas Senator Royce West, District 23.

Whitmire also publicly presented a challenge to the Law Center to not only help prepare future lawyers, but also to increase giving the community a sense of representation, specifically people in underserved communities who are facing legal troubles and need an attorney.

State Senator Royce West shared that his grandson is currently a UH undergraduate student, and he was excited to witness history with the new building. “As leaders, we need to make sure the ship is steady and we’re going in the right direction,” he said, later echoing Whitmire’s emphasis on supporting the community.

Established in 1947, the UH Law Center is home to eight top 50 law programs in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings and has produced more than 16,000 alumni worldwide.

An accomplished attorney and philanthropist, the late John M. O’Quinn was a UH Law Center alumnus and one of the university’s most enthusiastic supporters. The foundation bearing his name has donated more than $16 million to the UH Law Center, a significant portion of which supports the construction of the law building.

Architectural rendering of lobby.

Architectural rendering of lobby.

Architectural rendering of lobby.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Architectural rendering of event room.

Architectural rendering of event room.

Architectural rendering of event room.

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

Aerial of building construction.

Aerial of building construction.

Aerial of building construction.

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Architectural rendering of lobby.

Architectural rendering of lobby.

Architectural rendering of lobby.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Leonard Baynes and Renu Khator on stage at Nov. 10 event.

Architectural rendering of event room.

Architectural rendering of event room.

Architectural rendering of event room.

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

(L to R) Bill Jackson, UHLC Cornerstone Club; Leonard M. Baynes, dean, UH Law Center; Renu Khator, UH president; Sen. John Whitmire, District 15; Sen. Royce West, District 23; Rep. Armando Walle, District 140

Aerial of building construction.

Aerial of building construction.

Aerial of building construction.

A New Era of Hospitality

Architectural rendering of Hilton University of Houston (Courtesy: Kirksey Architecture)

Architectural rendering of Hilton University of Houston (Courtesy: Kirksey Architecture)

Architectural rendering of Hilton University of Houston (Courtesy: Kirksey Architecture)

A new era of hospitality is underway with the $30 million expansion and renovation of the Hilton University of Houston, the teaching hotel for students at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

“This changes everything! It is monumental and will help define our future.
Dennis Reynolds, dean, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Retaurant Management
(L to R) Steve Cunningham, Hilton University of Houston General Manager; Dennis Reynolds, dean of Hilton College; Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president of academic affairs and provost; Renu Khator, UH president; and Regent Doug Brooks (’75).

(L to R) Steve Cunningham, Hilton University of Houston General Manager; Dennis Reynolds, dean of Hilton College; Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president of academic affairs and provost; Renu Khator, UH president; and Doug Brooks (’75), member of UHS Board of Regents.

(L to R) Steve Cunningham, Hilton University of Houston General Manager; Dennis Reynolds, dean of Hilton College; Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president of academic affairs and provost; Renu Khator, UH president; and Doug Brooks (’75), member of UHS Board of Regents.

College and University leaders, along with faculty, staff and representatives from the Dean’s Advisory Board, Eric’s Club, Alumni Board and Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, gathered for a groundbreaking last summer to officially kick off construction of a new five-story hotel tower. It will feature 70 new guest rooms, increasing the hotel’s total number of rooms to 150.

The project also includes renovation of the hotel’s 80 existing rooms and the Eric’s Club Center for Student Success. A dynamic new space is being built for the student-run Cougar Grounds coffee shop. When complete in late 2022, it will be a “game changer” for the college and its students, according to Dean Dennis Reynolds.

“This changes everything! It is monumental and will help define our future,” he said. “We’ve always provided a good student experience, but these new facilities will allow us to offer fantastic opportunities like no other.”

The commemorative shovels used for the groundbreaking were placed in individual shadow boxes and gifted to President Renu Khator and Provost Paula Myrick Short as a symbol of the future and gratitude for their unwavering support.

Hilton College is the only hospitality program in the world where students work and take classes in an internationally branded, full-service hotel – 70% of hotel team members are students.

“Our new 150-room hotel will provide for a more realistic learning experience for our students because we will be operating in a manner more typical of a full-service non-teaching hotel,” added Reynolds.

Architectural rendering of front entrance of Hilton University of Houston

Architectural rendering of front entrance of Hilton University of Houston (Courtesy: Kirksey Architecture)

Architectural rendering of front entrance of Hilton University of Houston (Courtesy: Kirksey Architecture)

The expanded hotel will also allow for better service of business clients – including the University of Houston – with increased meeting and event spaces. The hotel will now have the capacity to accommodate overnight stays for large parties who come for weddings and conferences.

Construction/Nov. 2021

Construction of front entrance in Nov. 2021.

Construction of front entrance in Nov. 2021.

Architectural rendering of front entrance

Architectural rendering of front entrance.

Architectural rendering of front entrance.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.

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Construction/Nov. 2021

Construction of front entrance in Nov. 2021.

Construction of front entrance in Nov. 2021.

Architectural rendering of front entrance

Architectural rendering of front entrance.

Architectural rendering of front entrance.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.

Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds joins faculty and staff at the construction site.