Centennial Project Notifications
Facilities/Construction Managment will do our best to keep the campus community informed of the Centennial projects. We greatly appreciate everyone's patience as we prepare for the University’s Centennial celebration and continue to enhance our campus.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Update
Beginning December 16, 2024, the University of Houston will embark on two projects to enhance the infrastructure and outdoor spaces within the Arts District. These two projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
Loop Road Enhancements: This project will transform the section of Loop Road from Cullen Blvd to Entrance 18, improving walkability and landscaping. It will also address stormwater drainage issues and increase pedestrian safety at Entrance 18.
Below is information regarding the first phase of the project which begins December 16, 2024 and will conclude in May 2025. More information and details on the second phase will become available in the Spring of 2025.
Wilhelmina’s Grove: The enhanced grove will feature an amphitheater with a covered stage, a raised seating area, improved accessibility, and a relaxing water feature. Numerous tree plantings will strengthen and expand the grove.
Loop Road Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of the Loop Road Project is to upgrade the University’s stormwater system, enhance campus safety by significantly increasing and distributing lighting, create more green spaces for students, build safer pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, and improve overall traffic flow.
The Loop Road Project began in December 2024 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The Loop Road Project is a major infrastructure upgrade including wider sidewalks, evenly distributed lighting, additional trees, well-marked pedestrian pathways, and an underground water retention system that will help minimize campus flooding in the area. This type of project will take patience but will be an enhancement to the campus that will help for years to come.
Pedestrian safety is a priority. The roadway during Phase 1 of the project will become the main pedestrian crossing point into the University. Due to the increase in pedestrian traffic, our team has implemented a safety protocol that removes noncritical vehicles and uses flaggers when critical vehicles, such as Life Safety (Fire Trucks & Ambulances), Heavy Machinery, Waste Collection, and Delivery vehicles, are utilizing the road. Flaggers are essential for managing traffic safely around construction zones, ensuring the safety of both workers and the public, keeping operations efficient, minimizing accident risks, and ensuring compliance with traffic safety standards.
A map has been updated to help pedestrians navigate walkable pathways to and from campus. Additionally, we’ve created new decomposed granite pathways from Lot 16 to sidewalks along Cullen Blvd.
The Loop Road Project will not impact the cost of parking permits.
We are significantly enhancing campus safety and improving traffic flow for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
A temporary entrance was considered near Entrance 18 but the cost was extremely high for a six month solution. As stewards of The Loop Road Project funds, permanent campus improvements were deemed a better investment.