News
 

Many UH buildings to get new look by fall

Cougar News Services

It seems that the Wortham Theatre is not the only UH building that's scheduled for a makeover. More than $14 million will be spent on the renovation of 15 buildings and 50 classrooms -- a project that will give 200,000 square feet of UH property a fresh, new look in an effort to build the University's Tier One status. 

"Some buildings have not been substantially altered since they were built 40, 50 or even 60 years ago," Dave Irvin, vice president for plant operations said in a press release. "We aim to provide a learning environment that supports our teaching paradigms and reflects the quality of students and faculty that we have."

The buildings scheduled for renovation include: the Wortham Theatre's lobby and rehearsal rooms, the College of Technology annex, Melcher Hall's entire second and third floor along with two first-floor auditoriums, 13 classrooms in McElhinney Hall, 10 classrooms in Agnes Arnold Hall and eight classrooms in Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall. 

The Higher Education Assistance Fund, student fees and the $20 million gift from George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell will be tapped for a total of $15 million for the project.

"We want to make sure that years down the line, the classrooms still look great," Irvin said.

Renovations began July 7 and most are expected to be completed before the fall semester.

 Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu