By Richard Zagrzecki
A skeletal framework of steel girders taking shape on the southeast corner of Hofheinz Pavilion is providing an early glimpse of what will transform over the next six months into a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility for the University of Houston.
Construction began this past September on the $25 million project and has been moving along with minimal delays. It remains on target to be completed this fall, said Principal Project Manager John Posch.
Situated at the intersection of Cullen Boulevard and Holman Street, the Houston Basketball Development Facility will serve as the headquarters of the men’s and women’s programs. Its construction is expected to help the Cougars remain competitive in the American Athletic Conference and give the basketball programs a welcomed boost.
The 53,000-square-foot building will have a modern exterior that includes a large glass entrance facing Cullen. The first floor will have two separate basketball courts to be used by the men’s and women’s teams. It will also include a training room, strength-conditioning area, and non-staff lockers for such personnel as graduate assistants, trainers and managers.
The second floor will house the team spaces, including the locker rooms, equipment rooms, lounges and film-study rooms. The third floor will comprise offices for all the coaches.
“This will be a unique and modern facility with a strikingly beautiful exterior that the entire UH community will be proud of,” Posch said.