HOUSTON (Houston Chronicle) – A large portion of Hewlett-Packard’s northwest Harris County campus is about to find new life as an institution of higher education.

Lone Star College System has purchased the property near Hwy. 249 and Louetta. It includes eight buildings totaling 1.2  million sf, more than twice the size of the system’s largest college, LSC-CyFair.

The system plans to use the new space to expand its higher-ed programs and bring university-level courses to this part of Houston.

The system’s goal is to begin offering classes next spring, said Ray Laughter, vice chancellor of external affairs. Enrollment at the new campus could reach 10,000 students within two years.

Also see complete RECON issue for 5/5/2009.