UH spending nearly $14 million for land to build Katy campus

The University of Houston will spend at least $13.8 million on 46 acres in Katy to eventually build a campus.

Known as the University of Houston System's University Park campus, it is part of an effort to expand higher education offerings in the booming western reaches of Houston. Officials expect construction to begin on the new campus within two years. UH also recently pulled its Sugar Land teaching center under the flagship, essentially bringing that coveted university presence to one of the area's fastest-growing communities.

"This purchase signals a new stage in the University of Houston System's strategic plan to serve the greater Houston region," Paula Myrick Short, UH System vice chancellor for academic affairs, said in a statement. "It will allow us not only to serve more people closer to their homes, but also to offer a broader range of degree programs."

The UH board of regents on Thursday approved the acquisition of 46 acres near the Grand Parkway and I-10 for the campus. The land comes with a $13.8 million price tag and the contract with the seller includes an option to buy another 15 acres for $6.3 million if UH chooses to buy it within 12 months.

UH is paying for the land with $46.8 million in construction bonds approved by state lawmakers last session.

UH, meanwhile, is selling a 10-acre Cinco Ranch satellite campus that opened in 1989. The campus is landlocked with no room for expansion, so officials decided to move north to Katy instead.

"The dynamic growth in the Katy area is clear evidence of the need for expanded educational services in the region," Short said in the statement. "The University of Houston System has worked with residents to make sure we are meeting their needs, at a location that will offer convenient access, as well as room to grow."