Download PDF
Posted: Jun 5, 2015

Texas A&M University and Hunt Companies Top Off New $45 Million Cadet Residence Hall

Galveston, TX - El Paso-based Hunt Companies [“Hunt”] and Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) have officially reached a construction milestone in the building of the new 612-bed, $45 million Texas A&M Maritime Academy Residence Hall by celebrating with a “Topping Off” Flag Raising Ceremony. On Friday, April 17th, midshipmen, faculty, staff members, contractors and various other stakeholders, joined Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Texas A&M University Interim President Dr. Mark Hussey and Texas A&M University at Galveston CEO Rear Admiral Robert Smith III in raising the Texas A&M Flag to demonstrate the major progress completed thus far on the project.  

“This is one part of our effort to provide a positive living-learning opportunity for students.  We’re extremely pleased with the progress thus far, and are excited to welcome midshipmen into the new facility this fall,” said Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp.  “This is a successful example of the public/private partnership which is being used for new projects throughout the Texas A&M University System.”

The development features a design focused on the Academy and the University’s need to provide midshipmen direct access to residential, leadership, and centralized gathering locations. The facility features two residential wings connected to a central commons, with adjacent features including an illuminated formation court and associated amenities including the most modern facilities available. The commons includes classrooms, study lounges, flexible social spaces, staff and cadet offices, a reception area, common laundry facilities, a convenience shop, and storage areas.

Construction of the residence hall began on June 30, 2014 and is slated for completion in the fall of 2015. The innovative project will help address the need for more housing as the campus has grown from 551 students in 1987 to more than 2,300 students in 2015.

“This is a major milestone for Hunt as well as for Texas A&M University at Galveston,” stated Chris Hunt, Hunt Companies CEO.  “We look forward to continuing our partnership with TAMUG to help ensure this campus offers the best living experience possible for the cadets who will spend the next four years here.”

Hunt, in partnership with Texas A&M University, is providing development and construction management services for design, finance, site and vertical construction. Moss Construction, a Hunt affiliate, is the general contractor, and the buildings architecture was completed by PGAL. The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of six maritime academies in the U.S. preparing graduates for licensing as officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and for commissioning in the U.S. Navy.