The University of Houston celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, $52 million academic building for the Hobby School of Public Affairs. The 42,000 square foot building, which will be located on the east side of campus at the site of the old law building, is scheduled to be completed in time for the University’s centennial celebration in 2027.  

This building will facilitate interactions among students, policymakers, and practitioners and serve as a hub for research, civic engagement, and thought-provoking lectures on policy issues and leadership challenges. There will be dedicated research labs, collaboration areas, a Hobby memorial reading room, a multimedia studio and other spaces that thoughtfully promote productivity and wellness.

Architecture firm Lake|Flato’s design for the new facility is centered around community and wellness.

The Hobby School has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade – a 700% increase in undergraduate enrollment since introducing a bachelor’s degree in public policy in 2022.