The Fertitta Center (formerly Hofheinz Pavilion) at the University of Houston has a rich history of sports and entertainment. This multipurpose facility served the University and the City of Houston for nearly 50 years; but, despite incremental improvements and maintenance since its opening, the venue had fallen significantly behind industry trends of modern-day facilities. It no longer provided the optimal fan experience, competitive advantage and revenue generation.
A $60 million renovation offered a dramatic new entry experience, complete reconstruction of the concourse level, including grand entry lobbies, expanded fan amenities, and circulation. The focused reconstruction of the seating bowl created an intimate and energetic home-court environment while introducing premium club amenities never experienced in the venue.
The renovation provided a dramatic new entry experience and complete reconstruction of the concourse level.
The remodeled center provides an increase in revenue generation within the constraints of
the core foundation of the building.
With a simple geometric form adjustment to the existing exterior, 2,200 square feet of curtain wall system was integrated at each entry to allow natural daylight into the venue. A metal panel and wood soffit system was cladded to the existing concrete soffit panels to complement the adjacent Guy V. Lewis Development Facility while providing a contemporary aesthetic to the exterior material palette.
The entire concourse level – including the full extent of the plaster ceiling above – was completely removed. This created sufficient program space and circulation while increasing the overall volume of the interior. The incorporation of a 2,500 square-foot Legends Club and a 5,400-square-foot Sideline Club provide for a premium experience and opportunities for non-event functions.
The reconstruction of the seating bowl was limited to the sideline sections and maintained the existing radial baseline geometry. This achieved greater intimacy and provided an additional 15,000 square feet of needed program space within the existing venue footprint.
The west sideline section consists of a two-tiered seating section with the integration of the Sideline Club providing direct, open views to the game atmosphere. This improved, intimate section brings the front row 20 feet closer to the playing court while integrating multiple premium seating opportunities and elevated viewing perspectives for the first time in the venue’s history.
The focused reconstruction of the seating bowl created an intimate
and energetic home-court environment.
At the opposite east sideline, a dedicated standing student section was incorporated to create an engaging atmosphere for students that energizes student-athletes during play. The remainder of the section beyond was constructed on top of the existing seating bowl to enhance sightlines over the standing student section, all while bringing fans closer to the playing court and avoiding additional demolition cost.
Upgrades to audio/visual systems consisted of a new 14′ – 60′ high-definition video board behind each baseline seating section. The installation of the “halo” ceiling above the seating bowl features 570 linear-feet of LED ribbon board and an additional 130 linear-feet of LED ribbon board along the front façade of the upper west seating section.
The remodeled Fertitta Center provides brand new, unique experiences for fans, donors, students, student-athletes and coaching staff, an increase in revenue generation, and a competitive-advantage atmosphere – all within the constraints of the core foundation of the building.
Design Architect & Cost Estimator
AECOM
2380 McGee Street, #200 Kansas City, MO 64108
www.aecom.com
Project Team
Architect of Record
PGAL
3131 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042
Structural Engineer
Walter P. Moore & Associates
1301 McKinney Street, #1100, Houston, TX 77010
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
AECOM
19219 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094
General Contractor
Turner Construction
4263 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092
IT & Security
4B Technology Group
12600 N. Borough Drive, #290, Houston, TX 77067
Plumbing, Fire Alarm & Protection
Infrastructure Associates
6117 Richmond Avenue, #200, Houston, TX 77057
Audio-Video
WJHW
3424 Midcourt Road, #124, Carrolton, TX 75006
Project General Description
Location: Houston, Texas
Date Bid: Aug 2016
Construction Period: Mar 2017 to Dec 2018
Total Square Feet: 191,722
Site: 5.8 acres
Number of Buildings: One
Building Sizes: First floor, 71,363; second floor, 120,409;
total, 191,722 square feet
Building Height: First floor, 17’6″; second floor, 38′; total, 55’6″
Basic Construction Type: Renovation/IB
Foundation: Cast-in-place, reinforced concrete, slab-on-grade.
Exterior Walls: CMU, brick, curtain wall, metal panel, plaster
Roof: Membrane
Floors: Concrete.
Interior Walls: CMU, metal stud drywall
BNi ACCESS™ Square Foot Case Number RC260546
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