Smith & Company Architects :: Projects
University of Houston
Fred Parks Dining and Wine Room
Completed: April 2007
Size: 600 sq ft
Scope:
This privately funded high end wine room was designed to welcome guests and patrons of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Utilizing unique materials such as synthetic stone walls and faux finished arched cove ceilings this space is the most expensive space in the college. The Wine Room has a main purpose to display and showcase the multi-million dollar Fred Parks wind collection which was donated to University of Houston's Restaurant and Hotel Management College.
For wine collectors it's a dream come true, but UH students and researchers view the Fred Parks Wine Cellar as the ultimate classroom for the study of spirits .
Parks, a Houston lawyer and wine enthusiast, donated a portion of his extensive collection to the college, which became the foundation for this unique educational resource.
Additionally, a grant from the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation has expanded the late legal eagle's legacy by creating the Fred Parks Board Room featuring the remainder of Park's personal wine collection.
“Fred's philosophy was to promulgate wine to the average person. I think he would be proud of what we are doing,” said Kevin Simon, director of the Fred Parks Wine Cellar.
High Definition television screens, gourmet catering and seating for up to 30 people make the boardroom a sought-after spot for social events.
“This beautiful addition to the college will be the setting for meetings, receptions, wine tastings or intimate meals prepared by our executive chef,” Simon said. “Guests can choose from featured menus and have available to them a host of fine and rare wines.”