LRC to undergo first major facelift since its relocation in 2005
Students at McGovern Medical School will soon have a top-of-the-line area to study and relax after upcoming renovations to the Learning Resource Center.
According to Tamika Cain-Proctor, senior project manager, an architectural firm has been hired to develop options for a floor-to-ceiling overhaul of the LRC to “provide a better space for students to study by upgrading lighting fixtures, study spaces, seating, new ceilings, new carpet, and new painting.”
The project’s completion date is Aug. 2, 2024.
The impetus for the renovation came from student surveys on LRC facilities. Mark Hormann, MD, vice dean of Educational Programs, and Karim Marani, director of LRC, analyzed the feedback and made a case for the renovations. Since several issues were highlighted and due to budget constraints, they prepared a prioritized list of bite-sized projects for incremental development over time.
After reviewing the list, Nancy McNiel, PhD, senior associate dean for Administrative Affairs, felt that strategically, a consolidated renovation project was the best way to go, and also was able to secure funding for it.
“A series of small renovation projects would take too long to complete, require several closures of the LRC, inconvenience the students, and would not be cost-effective,” McNiel said.
The architect worked with a Project Team to review options for space layout and furnishings based on trends in how faculty and students teach, learn, and study in medical schools.
On study spaces, the aim was to transform a largely individual study carrel space to a balanced individual and collaborative space to more effectively support the teaching and learning objectives in the Medical School’s curriculum,” Marani said. “A functional, welcoming décor and pleasant furnishings were desired by students who have 24/7 access with UTHealth Houston IDs.”
“Summer was an opportune time for renovation,” Hormann added. “It minimizes study impact while incoming first years have not yet arrives and second years are on summer break.”
For students who do need a space to study over the summer, MSB B.500 has been designated as a temporary Learning Resource Center and has badge access for third- and fourth-year students prepping for STEP or clerkship exams. Additionally, students also can continue to access the LRC Annex, MSB G.140 and the TMC Library.
“I’m so excited to hear that construction for our new student space is underway,” said Nikhil Erabelli, incoming second-year student. “Having a revamped LRC means we’ll have a space that really supports our needs as medical students, facilitating intense studying sessions, collaborative projects, and safe spaces to unwind after a taxing day.”