(HUNTSVILLE) – The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System today approved the purchase of O. Henry Hall, a historic landmark in downtown Austin, from The University of Texas System. The 134-year-old building, which once served as a federal courthouse and post office, was transferred to the UT System by the federal government in 1968.
The Board of Regents authorized TSUS officials to finalize the purchase of O. Henry Hall and lease back the building to the UT System until that system completes construction of a new headquarters, which is anticipated in 2017. The transaction is expected to be completed this summer.
The Texas State University System provides academic program planning, legal, financial, audit, contract management, construction, governmental relations, and communications services for the System’s eight component institutions. TSUS’s 24 full-time employees are currently spread across three state office buildings in downtown Austin. The acquisition of a new System Office building will allow TSUS to centralize its services under one roof, improving operational efficiency.
The vote occurred during the Board of Regents' quarterly meeting on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.