Photo by: Anh Le
With UH at the cusp of entering its centennial era, the University has been striving to make the campus more enjoyable for students with its new additions. From the new Retail Auxiliaries & Dining Center and the highly anticipated Centennial Project, here are a few buildings and projects in construction that students should look out for.
Centennial Project
In preparation to celebrate 100 years of UH, the University will build a plaza in the center of campus and overhaul University Drive into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly entrance. The project will include numerous seating options, several shade trees and other beautification efforts to amplify the aesthetics of Cougar pride.
President and Chancellor Renu Khator spearheaded this project to further UH’s goal of entering the top 50 public universities list in the U.S.
The project is set to be completed at the end of 2026, just in time for UH’s centennial anniversary.
Retail Auxiliaries & Dining Center
Known as the RAD Center, this new dining hall partially opened this semester with The Nook and the Market available to students. The RAD Center will provide new food options like The Burger Joint, The Taco Stand, Paper Lantern and Absurd Bird in Fall 2024 and a new spot for students to hang out or study.
The new dining hall replaced the Student Center Satellite building which was officially closed in 2019. Several students were nostalgic about its closing while others missed the Taco Bell that it housed inside. Regardless, the new RAD Center will provide a change of atmosphere for students on the north side of campus and closer dining options.
Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center
A new Football Operations Center is set to open in 2025 that will serve students, athletes, fans and coaches and provide several amenities like hydrotherapy spaces and 30,000 square feet dedicated to premium seating for fans. The $130 million dollar project aims to provide a better experience for student athletes and set the stage for UH’s acceptance into the Big 12.
Rec Center
After facing facility issues, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center has undergone a three-phase floor replacement to provide a better workout experience for students. Alongside the floor replacements, the University has replaced the Smoothie King inside the Rec Center with Shake Smart, a smoothie shop with bowls, sandwiches, oatmeals and coffee.
The new smoothie joint provides a more intensive look at the nutritional values of all of its products and allows students to make healthier choices without the hassle of looking up the protein, carbs or sugar count.
Cougar Grounds
In 2022, Cougar Grounds opened up its new location alongside the renovated Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. The Coog Choose 2021 Best Coffee Shop winner has been a campus favorite since it opened its doors in 2008. From drinks to teas and delicious sandwiches, Cougar Grounds’ customers only continue to grow after the renovations.
All in all, UH is known for taking initiative and having the drive to change things for the better. With these new additions and ongoing projects, the University will only continue to grow and catch the nation by surprise when it climbs the ranks to become one of the top 50 public universities in the U.S.
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