HCU Expands Campus Housing with University Place Repurchase

Houston Christian University (HCU) has announced plans to repurchase University Place, a residential complex adjacent to its main campus, with the acquisition set to take effect around July 2026. The move follows a right of repurchase agreement with Memorial Hermann Health System, which acquired the property from HCU, formerly Houston Baptist University, in 1988.

The five-story, 200,000-square-foot University Place facility includes 186 units with one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 528 to 1,056 square feet, accommodating junior-level to graduate students as well as students with families. Each unit features a full-sized kitchen, and the building offers amenities such as a commercial kitchen with dining hall, outdoor swimming pool, and on-site parking.

HCU plans a strategic refresh of the complex, including upgraded furniture, updated finishes, branded signage, and redesigned shared spaces with social lounges and group study areas. The University anticipates reopening University Place as student housing in fall 2027.

The acquisition will add 350 beds to HCU’s existing housing portfolio, which currently provides 1,052 beds and operates at 98% occupancy. The expansion will increase the University’s residential capacity by roughly 33%, supporting the institution’s goal of growing the student population to 10,000 by 2030.

Founded in 1960, Houston Christian University is a private faith-based institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The repurchase of University Place aligns with HCU’s broader efforts to enhance the student experience, strengthen campus community, and accommodate its growing enrollment.