Press Release: University of St. Thomas begins construction of new residence hall

HOUSTON - The University of St. Thomas is proud to announce that construction on a new student residence hall has begun, following a groundbreaking on June 12. The event is a major milestone in the University's continued growth and commitment to living and learning on campus and student success.

Located just north of Guinan Residence Hall at the intersection of West Alabama Street and Graustark Street, the new building will provide housing for approximately 400 additional students, doubling the capacity of available student housing on campus. The nearly 100,000-square-foot, five-story residence hall will include a variety of modern living spaces, study and collaboration spaces, lounge areas, an outdoor courtyard and a chapel.

University of St. Thomas President Dr. Sinda Vanderpool shared her enthusiasm for this new addition to the campus.

"This groundbreaking ceremony marks an important milestone for our campus," Dr. Vanderpool said. "UST is focusing on student success, which includes a wonderfully rich academic life, a vibrant campus life, and, most importantly, access to on-campus living so students can enjoy every minute of their college experience."

The project responds to a significant demand for on-campus housing. UST's current residence facilities accommodate approximately 400 students, with additional demand currently met through partnerships with nearby apartment complexes. Doubling on-campus housing will reduce financial and logistical burdens for students while allowing more of them to fully participate in campus life.

The residence hall is designed to strengthen the University's Catholic mission while creating a vibrant residential community where students can live faithfully and grow together in community. Communal spaces throughout the building will encourage interaction, dialogue, and relationship-building, helping foster the sense of belonging that is essential to student engagement and success.

UST has partnered with Turner & Townsend Heery as project manager, Corgan in partnership with The Lawrence Group and Jackson & Ryan Architects for design, and Harvey Cleary Builders as the general contractor. The project is being financed by Stellar Bank. The residence hall is expected to open for students in fall 2028.

The project follows a highly-successful fundraising effort that secured two of the largest gifts in the University's history-an anonymous $11 million gift and an $8 million gift from the Sarofim Foundation-along with several additional seven-figure gifts from The Brown Foundation, Cullen Trust for Higher Education, The Elkins Foundation, Kiki and Jeff Carroll, and Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff in support of the new facility.

"These transformational gifts are helping create a true home away from home for our students," Dr. Vanderpool said. "We are deeply grateful for the generosity and vision of the Sarofim Foundation and others, whose support is making it possible for more students to live on campus and fully experience the academic, spiritual and community life of UST."

By expanding its residential capacity, UST aims to create a stronger campus community in the heart of Houston. Living on campus enables students to engage more deeply with faculty, peers, and campus resources while participating more fully in the University's academic, spiritual and social life.

For more information and to give, visit campaignforust.com.

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