The University of Houston-Downtown has broken ground on a $38 million Student Wellness & Success Center.

The 72,000-square-foot center will be built next to the College of Sciences & Technology Building and is expected to be completed by 2022.

The university says the center will offer expanded recreational and fitness facilities; additional areas for studying and socializing; spaces for learning about health and wellness; and a demonstration kitchen for lessons on nutrition.

“This is an iconic project, and a special one for defining the University of Houston-Downtown,” says University of Houston System Chancellor Renu Khator. “The new Student Wellness & Success Center is important for all of Houston. It’s a shining example of what higher education institutions represent in Houston.”

The Houston Business Journal says the center will replace a sports and fitness facility that opened in 1997, which was designed to serve a population of 7,000.

"Now, the student population at UH-D is 15,000," Khator said.

In May 2019, the Texas Legislature authorized a dedicated student fee to pay for the center at UH-Downtown. Students at the campus approved the fees for the project.

The architect is SmithGroup, and the contractor is Vaughn Construction.