A recent addition to downtown Houston is turning heads…and winning awards.

The University of Houston Downtown’s (UHD) Commerce Street Classroom Building was recently honored with an In Construction Excellence (ICE) Award for Institutional Excellence from the Associated Builders and Contractors.

The awards recognize construction projects that have excelled in the fields of safety, quality, ingenuity and workmanship.

The 90,000 square-foot facility has only been in operation since fall 2004, but in a short time, it has earned respect from architecture and construction professionals.

“The design is exemplary,” said Bernie Harless, UH senior project manager for capital design and construction. “It integrates both contemporary and historical architecture. The building’s north end has a very modern glass façade facing Buffalo Bayou while its side facing Main Street is composed of classic red brick to complement the older buildings in the area.”

The building houses classrooms, a lecture hall, seminar rooms and the offices for UHD’s Departments of Urban Education and Criminal Justice.

The $18 million facility was designed by the Gensler architecture firm and built by SpawGlass Construction. The project began in May 2003 and the facility was completed prior to the fall 2004 academic session.

Of course, this isn’t the first such honor for this building.

Recently, this facility and five other UH System construction projects were honored by the American School & University (AS&U) magazine in its annual Educational Interiors Showcase.

In its August edition, the magazine also spotlighted UH’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the University Center Satellite renovations, the M.D. Anderson Library renovations, Roy Cullen Building’s classroom renovation project and UH-Clear Lake’s new Student Services and Classroom Building.

All projects were judged on design excellence, educational functionality, budget and innovation.
For 75 years, AS&U has reported on construction, maintenance, planning and design of educational facilities. Since 1983, the magazine has sponsored competitions that call attention to groundbreaking classrooms, labs, schools and other structures.

“Having these projects recognized speaks volumes about the UHS’ dedication to its students,” said Dave Irvin, associate vice president of plant operations. “There has been a significant commitment by this administration to provide students with superior facilities that enhance their learning experiences.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu