As part of the Cain Hall site redevelopment project, Texas A&M University wanted to realize an operational goal for a dedicated hotel and conference center adjacent to Kyle Field at the heart of campus. The university used a public-private partnership to fund and deliver the project. Stonehenge/Gilbane Development and Huitt-Zollars led the design and selected Ensight Haynes Whaley (EHW) as engineer of record for the overall redevelopment and structural design.

Huitt-Zollars used their ADVANCEDESIGN approach to unite all team members in commitment to the project’s accelerated schedule. The project required close coordination in order to complete demo of the existing building, fast-track construction of the adjacent garage, and concurrent construction of the center without impacting campus operations. The upscale design of the center echoes the campus vernacular and features high-end interiors and amenities. A 2-level podium houses a fitness center, conference rooms, ballroom, a full-service restaurant, and the adjoining 12th Man Lounge. The hotel rises six stories above the podium in an L-shape, wrapping around the grand entrance lobby. There are 237 standard guest rooms, 12 suites, and a deluxe hospitality suite. An outdoor amenity deck above the ballroom features a pool and cabanas.

EHW designed a cast-in-place post-tensioned slab and beam structural system. The hotel and garage are connected via a walkway on top of the mechanical space on level two of the hotel. The pool on level three is located directly above the main ballroom and required close coordination with all design team members. EHW also designed a custom steel entry canopy to match the canopy they designed for the garage. Operational profit will be used to pay the $134 million project cost; once the debt is paid, Texas A&M will own the center.