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You can’t help but notice, when
walking on campus, the great strides
that are under way according to UH’s
Master Plan. Since our last report, here’s
what’s happening:
More Green
Even with all the construction, the
campus landscape is as green and lush
as ever. More than 8,000 trees, 53,000
square feet of ornamental bushes, and
180,000 square feet of flowerbeds
beautify our 550 acres. An in-house,
thirty-five-member grounds crew
maintains this vast green space. Four “champion” trees, included in the
award-winning landscape, have been
named as the largest specimens of their
type in the state—one is the largest of
its species in the United States. Over
the past few years, the university has
planted 400 trees and created four
new dedicated flower beds to honor
UH and community leaders, with
the assistance of UH’s Entrances and
Perimeter Committee—
a group ofalumni headed by Josanna Smith (’80).
Since 2000, UH has spent more than
$12 million enhancing landscaping
and exterior lighting and artwork,
including completely reworking the
major entrances to campus on Cullen
Boulevard and Spur 5.
Pedestrian Friendly
To increase pedestrian traffic, the UH
System Board of Regents has taken
significant steps toward closing portions
of Cullen Boulevard and Holman
Street to vehicular traffic. This plan will
improve campus security, provide a safer
pedestrian environment, and increase
green space, as well as reduce noise and
air pollution. UH hopes to acquire these
areas by summer 2008.
Jog Cougars, Jog
Work has begun on a jogging trail across
campus. The trail, which will primarily
use campus sidewalks, will extend one-third
of a mile and will include par-course
fitness stations, such as pull-up bars,
ground-level lighting, and drinking
fountains. The trails will dovetail into
an extensive trail and bike system Harris
County is constructing along Brays
Bayou from west of the Texas Medical
Center to the Houston Ship Channel.
A new park at the southeast corner of
Calhoun Road and Wheeler Avenue
will connect this project with the city’s
efforts and provide a new entrance to
the university.
A Place to Call Home
Meeting housing needs of graduate and
professional students in a state-of-the-art
urban living environment is the plan for
Calhoun Lofts. The $100 million project
will feature courtyards, recreation areas,
seminar rooms, a lounge and social space,
and a catering kitchen. Also incorporated
into this project will be 10,000 square feet
of retail space. Construction completion
is expected by June 2009, just in time for
the start of the academic year.
Visit www.uh.edu/masterplan for
more updates.
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