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A BOLD NEW FUTURE BEGINS AT UH

Centennial Construction Project

A BOLD NEW FUTURE BEGINS AT UH

CENTENNIAL
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Everything evolves over time, but it takes bold vision and intentional investment to truly transform. The University of Houston is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2027 by embarking on an ambitious Centennial Construction Project, which aims to modernize the historic core of campus with innovative infrastructure and environmentally resilient architecture. We're celebrating our past by planning for the future and transforming UH into a premiere place to connect, collaborate and thrive.

Visit this site regularly for the latest updates on key components of the Centennial Construction Project — University Drive, Centennial Plaza and Wilhelmina's Grove — and how they will impact your next visit to UH.

Centennial Plaza Sneak Peek

PROJECT TIMELINE

View a detailed projected timeline for the Centennial Project.

MAPS

Helpful maps to guide you through campus changes.

Navigate around construction with the UH Map Welcome Center Garage Map Drop-Off, Pick-up & Loading Zones Temporary Shuttle Stop

centennial plaza centennial map
university drive centennial map

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

University Drive will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning June 1, 2025, as part of the Centennial Construction Project. This project will transform University Drive west of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and improve overall campus accessibility, pedestrian flow and aesthetics.
University Drive will close on June 1, 2025, and is expected to remain closed through 2026. We will provide regular updates on the timeline as construction progresses.
Two small staff lots (1C and 1D) will be impacted. Please see map for specific details for student, faculty, and staff permit parking and visitor parking. In addition, ADA parking spaces along University Drive, including those near the E. Cullen Building, will be temporarily unavailable during construction. Your valid UH ADA parking permit continues to allow access to any ADA space in any zone surface lot or garage. If ADA spaces are full, you may park in any non-restricted space in the same lot/garage.
Yes. All campus shuttles will pick up and drop off passengers at the Welcome Center Garage during the closure period. Please see map for shuttle stop location.
No. Please use marked campus 20-minute loading zones for drop off and pick up. For longer term loading and unloading needs, visitor parking is available in Welcome Center North or East Garages.
Yes. While vehicles will be restricted, pedestrian access along and across University Drive will be maintained. For most of the project, pedestrian crossing areas will be located at University Drive and MLK Blvd., as well as at the turnaround near Cullen Performance Hall. All crossing points will be clearly marked.
Yes. There will be paths available around the construction site(s) for ADA needs.
You can access the UH Hilton Hotel and the Hilton Parking Garage by taking the access road located between the Welcome Center North and South Garages. This road connects MLK Blvd. to Cougar Village Drive. Cougar Village Drive can also be accessed from Wheeler Avenue at Entrance 6. The hotel is located at the southwest corner of Cougar Village Drive and University Drive.

THE THREE PILLARS OF
THE CENTENNIAL PROJECT

As we approach the University of Houston's Centennial, we are committed to transforming key areas of our campus that will shape the future of our institution and enhance the experience for students, faculty and visitors alike. The three core areas of focus — University Drive, Centennial Plaza and Wilhelmina's Grove — are at the heart of this initiative.

University Drive
University Drive serves as the primary entrance for everyone arriving on campus, setting the tone for their time at UH. Renovations will honor this critical corridor by adding a new gateway monument, incorporating outdoor rooms, public art and dining spaces, and updating landscaping for a shaded pathway to Cullen Performance Hall. These transformations will create memorable experiences in a pedestrian-first environment.

Centennial Plaza
The historic buildings in the Plaza have had an almost gravitational pull for generations of students, serving as the central gathering spot to connect, converse and create memories that last a lifetime. The new Centennial Plaza will feature elevated outdoor rooms with benches, tables and chairs that can be used for everything from socializing to studying and carrying out beloved campus traditions.

Wilhelmina's Grove
Situated in the center of the campus arts district, Wilhelmina’s Grove serves as a quiet, cozy oasis for students to both connect and decompress. Renovations will enhance the area — which connects the Moores School of Music, Blaffer Art Museum, Wortham Theatre and the School of Art — with an amphitheater, a water feature and a grove of trees to complement public art installations and spaces for spontaneous recreation.

GOALS OF THE CENTENNIAL
CONSTRUCTION PLAN

Upon completion, UH's Centennial Construction Project will connect people across disciplines, implement sustainable social infrastructure and project a sense of pride that all Houstonians can take part in.

This transformative investment honors the legacy of the institution while celebrating UH's continued commitment to community, collaboration and sustainable growth.

01

Create a Strong First Impression

02

Celebrate the Heart and Life of the University

03

Build a Walkable, Welcoming, Memorable Campus

04

Connect People, Places and Disciplines

05

Design a Sustainable, Resilient Campus

Questions?

Email construction@uh.edu