With the turn of a shovel, the University of Houston celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, $52 million academic building for the Hobby School of Public Affairs, marking a significant milestone in the school's continued growth and success and reinforcing the University's role as a leader in public affairs education.
"The Hobby School of Public Affairs not only educates future policy leaders, but it also empowers government, industry and everyday Houstonians with critical knowledge and guidance on key issues. This expansive new building will enable the Hobby School to increase its research and student body, enhancing its impact across Houston, Texas and the world." - UH President Renu Khator
The 42,000 square foot, state-of-the-art 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 new building is an important milestone for the Hobby School and the University of Houston as it will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary policy education and research, public management and leadership training, and civic engagement," said Jim Granato, dean and professor at the Hobby School. "This facility will also accelerate innovation by providing our students and faculty with the resources they need to drive meaningful change. As we break ground, we reaffirm our commitment to preparing the next generation of public servants and policy leaders who will shape the future of our society."
Securing Support
The Hobby School, named in honor of former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby and his family, was established in 2016, building on the extensive educational and research programs of the Center for Public Policy, which was founded at UH in 1981.
But efforts to find the school a building of its own began years earlier.
"The journey to constructing a new home for Hobby School started decades ago with the Center for Public Policy setting a strong foundation in research and public service," said Renée Cross, senior executive director at the Hobby School. "Many students have been introduced to public service opportunities through the Hobby School, which provided them with the essential tools and connections to become impactful leaders. This new building embodies the Hobby family's stalwart commitment to the future of our region and state."
After the UH System Board of Regents approved plans for a new building, Granato and Cross worked closely with state legislators, including former Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman and current Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, for over 10 years to secure funding for the building.
"Garnet Coleman's leadership and tireless advocacy were instrumental in getting the funding – we couldn't have done it without him. His deep understanding of public policy and commitment to higher education made this dream a reality, and we owe him a debt of gratitude." - Jim Granato, dean of The Hobby School
In 2021, that funding eventually found its way into a larger appropriations package for the construction and renovations of UH System facilities. It was one of Coleman's last legislative priorities during a storied 31-year career in the Texas Legislature.
"The Hobby family has always exemplified a deep commitment to public service, and it's been an honor to collaborate with them on this project," Coleman said. "The Hobby School is leading the way in public policy education — not just in Texas, but nationally—and this new building will elevate its mission even further."
A Design Influenced by Culture
When looking for a design partner, Granato and his leadership team were clear on their vision for the new building: it must reflect the school's culture of curiosity and collaboration. And science – specifically how a healthy, productive work environment can bring out the best in people – played a key role in every detail.
"We brought in healthy workplace experts to help us apply science to the design of the Hobby School building," said Alan Witt, professor and associate dean for undergraduate studies at the Hobby School. "Whereas the people make the place, science informs us that the design of our physical environment plays a major role in our productivity, relationships and well-being."
Enter world-renowned architecture firm Lake|Flato, whose design for the new facility is centered around community and wellness, with wide-open spaces that encourage creativity and sunlit views throughout the building that nurture positivity.
"Lake|Flato has been honored to work with Dean Granato and the Hobby School to create a new vibrant home for their students, faculty and staff," said Andrew Herdeg, partner at Lake|Flato Architects. "Their new facility will foster meaningful collaborations, showcase their remarkable research and welcome community partners to a new cohesive landscaped district with the adjacent existing buildings."
Building for the Future
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, and a nearly 850% increase in graduate enrollment since the first Master of Public Policy was offered in 2015.
And the Hobby School's signature internship programs have also seen significant growth. To date, the school has introduced more than 2,000 students from various academic disciplines and backgrounds to public service through internships in Houston, Austin and Washington, D.C., including more than a dozen Hobby Fellows serving the current session of the 89th Texas Legislature.
With this new academic building, Granato believes the future is brighter than ever.
"We want this new building to be a destination, not just for public policy education, but for thought leadership and policy analysis, as well," Granato said. "This facility will not only reflect our growth but also our ambition – and we're just getting started."
