By Sharon Liu
University of Houston’s Minor In-House Construction, Student Centers, and Student Housing and Residential Life came together to create a new Cougar Casino front for Frontier Fiesta. The booth was upgraded with new lighting, stronger structural system, and a modular design for easy assembly or disassembly to replace the previous 10-year-old display.
Assistant Director of Student Centers Facilities and Operations Matthew Sebby said the idea first started in March 2016. After eight months of communication with Minor In-House Construction, the work order request was submitted to begin the project. After 600 hours of collaborative work, the project was ready to be assembled for the event.
Standing at 40 feet tall and 16 feet wide, the new structure is made of modular components. Although massive when assembled, no piece is larger than 4 feet by 8 feet. Storage and transportation from one year to the next is now easier because the smaller size pieces can be stacked onto pallets.
Project Manager for Minor In-House Construction Longinos “Kino” Gutierrez lists T1-11 siding, treated plywood, treated pine spindles, wooden studs, carriage bolts, and outdoor stain as being implemented into this new design. In addition, Sebby wanted to “address the new safety regulations submitted by the Fire Marshall and Life Safety offices” with the new adjustments.
The casino was open for attendees March 24-26.The booth was utilized to provide an area to place a roulette table, deal blackjack, and provide Texas hold’em poker dealers.
Content with the end result, Kino stated: “The stronger structure and optimized assembly system will allow for a long-term, safe utilization of the casino front.”