Grand Opening of Cougar Village Housing Complex Set for Aug. 16

Freshman Residence Hall to Offer Academic Resources, Social Spaces, Learning Communities

Starting this fall, a new residence hall will redefine the freshman experience for many University of Houston students.

UH's latest state-of-the-art housing complex Cougar Village will open its doors to first-time-in-college freshmen. The seven-story 291,000-square-foot-facility will house 1,132 students. Cougar Village is located off Wheeler Avenue.

An invitation-only grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m., Aug. 16. Speakers include UH President Renu Khator and UH System Board of Regents Chairman Welcome Wilson. Members of the media can tour Cougar Village following the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.  Public tours will commence at 2 p.m.

Cougar Village will provide students with a range of amenities on each residential floor. These include social spaces and study areas. The facility also has two kitchens, where students can prepare meals.

The typical Cougar Village suite houses four students in two bedrooms with a shared bath. Single units with one bath also are available. All units are fully furnished and equipped with wireless Internet and Internet Protocol Television, which provides online cable broadcasting.

"I am pleased to welcome incoming freshmen to Cougar Village," Khator said. "This amazing new residence hall is built for student success. It is here that our newest Cougars will begin their academic journeys, so great care was placed in its design. With its ample study spaces, computer labs and meeting areas, Cougar Village will be home to both great students and bold ideas."

The first floor of Cougar Village features a spacious learning center, two computer labs, a large lounge, seminar rooms, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, fitness center, laundry facilities, a game room and a convenience store. Residents also will have skywalk access to UH's newest dining facility Fresh Food Co. Security is provided by electronic card access to the building and elevators, cameras at entrance points, a 24-hour information desk and security officers.

Cougar Village's most unique feature is that it offers students the opportunity to bond with peers who share similar academic interests. Honors College students will occupy an entire floor, and wings of the building are themed according to specific disciplines such as business, engineering/technology, communication and art.

"That's what sets Cougar Village apart from other residence halls," said Elwyn Lee, UH vice president for student affairs. "It will offer a space for both learning and living. This is a perfect environment for students to connect with classmates and begin their university experience."

HADP Architecture designed Cougar Village. It was built by Hardin Construction, which worked with several local subcontractors.  The project's budget was $50 million.

In addition to Cougar Village, UH offers several campus housing options for students: Moody Towers and the Quadrangle for first-and-second year students; Bayou Oaks, Cullen Oaks, and Cougar Place for third-and-fourth year students; and Cambridge Oaks apartments and Calhoun Lofts for graduate/professional and independent undergraduates.  

To learn more about Cougar Village, visit http://www.housing.uh.edu/housing/cougar-village. For details on UH Housing, visit http://www.housing.uh.edu/housing.