This fall the University Hilton Hotel will undergo an extensive $12 million renovation and open its doors to a broad spectrum of students, including architecture, engineering and social science majors.
Ignited by a $6.5 million donation from the Conrad N. Hilton Fund, $2.9 million from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and $2.6 million from hotel capital reserves, the project is set to become a reality with completion slated for December 2009.
John Bowen, dean of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, said the renovations will ensure an even better learning experience for the college and also attract the Houston community without disrupting students who are taking courses there.
"The affect on students in the college will be minimal," Bowen said. "Classes in the South Wing will not be affected by the construction in the actual hotel."
Effective June 1, a multi-year pro-bono consulting and services agreement with affiliated Hilton Hotels will provide assistance in managing the newly updated structure. The additions to the property will not only create a new showcase for Hilton Hotels in and around the area, but also for the UH main campus. Before the project’s December 2009 completion date, the hotel will experience various phases of remodeling to ensure agreeable facilities for guests and students alike.
Once construction is complete, the Hilton College is prepared to implement a student leadership program to offer students opportunities to work with the University Hilton general manager.
Bowen said the last time the Hilton underwent renovations of this magnitude was in the ’80s. Work mainly focused on cosmetic issues, whereas the current venture will encompass an entire overhaul of interior and exterior design.
In addition to the multiple phases within the renovation plans, specific attention will be paid to six prototype rooms in the South Wing. That will concentrate solely on guest experience. The prototype rooms will also offer a chance for students in the Colleges of Architecture, Engineering, Business, Technology and Social Sciences to interact in a collaborative effort while conducting research throughout this renovation process.
