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News and Updates

UC To Experience Simplex Fire Alarm Testing Beginning October 28, 2013

The UC Project Contractor Tellepsen, Simplex (the fire alarm system vendor), and ultimately the UH Fire Marshal’s Office will be testing all fire alarm system components for all renovated and new space within the University Center beginning Monday, October 28 and lasting through estimated end date of Saturday, November 30.

New UC Tours Open to University Community

The first phase of the Transformed University Center Complex opens its doors in January 2014. Prior to the opening of phase one, the university community is invited to take behind-the-scenes tours of the construction site of the New UC.

University Center Circle to Close Throughout Summer

Houston, May 9, 2013 – Beginning Monday, May 13, and lasting through Friday, Aug. 9, the University Center transformation project will expand the existing work site to include two additional areas to accommodate construction.

Walkways Between University Center and M.D. Anderson Library Impacted by UC Utility Work for Two Weeks in May

Houston, April 30, 2013 – Two consecutive projects will take place in the area, first on May 13 and May 14, the second on May 20 through May 24, 2013. Work will be conducted daily roughly from 6:30 AM through 4:00 PM. Pedestrian pass-through by the worksites will be available at all times. Steel plates will be available to cover the work area for emergencies [...]

University Center Transformation Project to Hold "Topping Ceremony" for UC North

The University Center Transformation Project continues at a breakneck pace toward the opening of Phase 1 at the beginning of 2014. While nine months of construction are left between now and Phase 1 completion, the steel structure for UC North, the new home for student involvement on campus, will be complete in early April [...]

UC Christening Photogallery

March - 2013

Temporary Closure of Northwest UC Ramp

As part of the UC Project Phase 1, there is scheduled work that needs to be completed on the University Center north exterior surface (capstone removal). To ensure the safety of all UC occupants, patrons and guests it is necessary to temporarily close the northwest ramp to pedestrian [...]

Scale Transformed University Center Model Makes Debut in UC Administration Services and Operations Office

Though much of the University Center has been closed for construction, the UC Transformation Project has been committed to offering the university community previews of the future of the UC. [...]

UC to Offer “Test Drives” for Lounge and Dining Furniture

The University Center Transformation Project continues to make strides toward providing a Tier One University Center that will serve as the home away from home for students and the rest of the campus community for decades to come. [...]

University Center Electrical Outage Update

2/18/13 - University Center Re-Opening on Monday, February 18, 2013

Removal of Crane Will Affect University Drive on Saturday

January 9, 2013 - Both lanes on the north side of University Drive will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the disassembly and removal of the large crane that is in the University Center Circle.

Crane Will Affect University Drive Lane and University Center Circle

December 14, 2012 - Starting Wednesday, Dec. 26, the closure of both lanes on the north side of University Drive will be required to allow the placement of a large crane in the University Center circle.

UC Games Room Closing Scheduled as UC Ground Floor Goes Offline to Accommodate UC Transformation Project

Oct 11, 2012 - In order to accommodate the complex and comprehensive scope of renovations and expansions, it has been necessary for the project timeline to adjust and evolve from its conception to today. [...]

Past, Present, and Future of the UC

Sep 17, 2012 - The New UC launches its first in an ongoing series of videos about the past, present, and future of the UC with a history of the Chicano Mural located in the UC Cougar Den. [...]

University Drive Eastbound Lane Closure

September 5, 2012 - On Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, the University Center Transformation project will begin underground utility work on University Drive at the first median cross-over before the Information Booth.

Beloved University Center Hair Stylist Finds New Home

July 25, 2012 - As the University Center Transformation Project continues its transition from concept to concrete, a number of changes were made to the building program and portfolio of services. [...]

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Photo Gallery

Apr 26, 2012 - The University Center Transformation Project—the project to transform YOUR University Center into the heart of this Tier One campus—recently celebrated its groundbreaking.

In front of a crowd of over 200 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University, remarks were presented from a number of people integral to the project’s success. The Honorable Jarvis V. Hollingsworth, secretary of the University of Houston System Board of Regents, presented remarks looking over the history of the University of Houston and its growth from 1927 to today. He was followed by Dr. Renu Khator, University President, who spoke to the history of the University Center and its role on campus today. Finally, Jared Gogets, UC Transformation Project Co-Chair, and Keith T. Kowalka, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs – Student Life recognized the integral role the student body had in making this historic project a reality.

Just three and a half short years ago, the student body voted to overwhelmingly support an increase to the UC Fee to make the Transformed University Center a reality. As students and administrators ceremonially broke ground on the project, another major step was taken to bring YOUR New UC from concept to concrete.

New Dining Options

Apr 12, 2012 - The New UC will feature several new dining options as well as one old favorite. Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Starbucks, and McDonald’s are coming at the end of Phase 1 (January 2014), with a new organic venue named Freshii opening at the end of Phase 2 (January 2015)!

Chicano Mural, 'La Marcha Por La Humanidad'

Apr 2, 2012 - Given its historic significance to the University Center and the University of Houston, a plan has been developed to integrate the Chicano Mural, 'La Marcha Por La Humanidad,' located in the UC Cougar Den, into the designs for the 2-level bookstore. The UC Policy Board, Student Government Association, Center for Mexican-American Studies, Division of Student Affairs Leadership, and the original artists have all given their blessing to a plan to preserve the mural in place and create a lounge/reading area inside the bookstore that will highlight the mural. We've produced some very rough renderings showing what the space will look like.

Our Latest Exterior Renderings

Mar 22, 2012 - We've released our latest exterior renderings online. Take a peek at the new look of the New UC!

Our Newest Floor Plans

Mar 20, 2012 - Our newest floor plans are now available!

UC Transformation Project Selects Design and Construction Firms

Aug 22, 2011 - A bid review committee of faculty, staff, and students recently selected a design firm and a construction firm for the University Center Transformation Project. [...]

The University Center Transformation Project is moving swiftly from concept to concrete!

May 25, 2011 - On May 2, 2011, the Student Government Association voted to pass UB48001, Authorizing a Specialized Fee Increase in the University Center Effective FY13. With this bill passed, Student Government has approved the second phase of the University Center Fee Increase associated with the University Center Transformation Project.

On May 18th, 2011, the University of Houston System Board of Regents approved the revised site, scope, and program for both phases of the UC Transformation Project. The first phase promises two exciting new additions to the University Center on the north and east sides of the current building, as well as significant renovation and transformation throughout the UC Underground and half the first floor of the current UC. The second phase of the project will renovate and transform the remaining portions of the UC Footprint Groundbreaking for this half of the project is scheduled for the summer of 2012, pending final approvals, and for the second half as early as the summer of 2013.

Most recently, the University Center has interviewed a number of professional design teams and construction firms, with both firms slated to come on board and begin work in the very near future in order to implement an aggressive timetable bringing students the most “bang for their buck” as quickly as possible.

Moving forward, the UC Transformation Project will continue engaging the student body as it designs a student-centric addition to the University Center. We thank you for your past and future support of the future of campus life!