Feature Photo: Dr. Sinda Vanderpool (in red and center) with other educational leaders. Image: University of St. Thomas.
Posted: 6-17-2026
Houston (Harris County) — The University of St. Thomas has announced 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 available student housing capacity on campus. The nearly 100,000-square-foot, five-story residence hall will include a variety of modern living, 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. 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 landscape architect is M2L Associates; Kimley-Horn handled civil engineering duties; the structural engineer is Thornton Tomasetti; and the MEP Engineer is IMEG Corp. The residence hall is expected to open for students in fall 2028.
Edited from news release.
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