UH on future of shuttered academic building: 'As part of our plan, we are committed to reopening Agnes Arnold Hall this coming fall, with security measures in place'

University of Houston (UH) officials announced plans on Tuesday to renovate an on-campus academic facility that was the purported site of two student deaths by suicide, according to Houston-based media outlets’ reports. 

Agnes Arnold Hall has been shuttered since the middle of the 2023 spring semester after a male student fell to their death from the building, making it the second such incident to occur this year. 

Since then, university leaders have pondered the future of the facility.

Houston NPR affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM) reported that UH decided to reopen Arnold Hall at the beginning of the upcoming academic year, but not before $38 million safety-minded renovations are made. 

HPM reported that the university will install temporary screens to protect an outdoor stairwell and the upper-level balconies, as well as continue to prevent access to the basement where the deceased were found. 

"As part of our plan, we are committed to reopening Agnes Arnold Hall this coming fall, with security measures in place," UH spokesperson Chris Stipes said in the report. "Additionally, we will be screening in the balconies on the upper level before the semester begins."

According to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, the building’s closure prompted the relocation of students, staff and classes. 

A black fence surrounding the premises barred anyone from getting in, while green banners with important numbers for those with or who know someone with suicidal thoughts to call were on display, KHOU reported. 

The station reported that a task force formed to figure out the next steps for Arnold Hall strongly opposed demolishing the facility.

Houston Daily reported that UH had urged students to take advantage of mental health resources and services in light of the tragic events at Arnold Hall, which consists of open hallways and a basement-level courtyard, which students claim poses safety concerns. 

If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, please contact the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8.