Rice University officials broke ground on Nov. 4 for the Arc, a nearly 200,000‑square‑foot research and office building located in the Ion District of Midtown Houston. The $75 million project, developed by Rice Real Estate Co., is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2028.
State‑of‑the‑art facilities
The Arc will rise seven stories, offering flexible lab and office space with floor plates ranging from 28,000 to 31,000 sq ft. Each floor will feature 15‑foot floor‑to‑floor heights and infrastructure designed for advanced HVAC, high‑capacity electrical service and emergency power—essential for cutting‑edge scientific work.
Beyond labs, the building will include conference and meeting rooms, an amenity lounge, a fitness center, an outdoor plaza, underground parking, bike storage, and on‑site retail and dining options. The design aims to create a vibrant, collaborative environment where researchers, entrepreneurs and established companies can interact.
AI Foundry at the heart of the Arc
Inside the Arc, Rice will house its new AI Foundry, a research and innovation hub occupying roughly 80,000 sq ft—about 40 % of the building. The Foundry will support organizations through AI readiness assessments, feasibility studies, executive education and customized workforce training. It aligns with Rice’s recent university‑wide AI initiative, which includes hiring 75 interdisciplinary faculty members and launching new academic programs.
Industry partners and community impact
The Arc will share a plaza with the adjacent Ion building, a hub already home to corporate partners such as Chevron, Microsoft, ExxonMobil and United. Project officials say the two structures together will foster a “more connected environment” for researchers, entrepreneurs, established companies and the broader Houston community.
Kelly Fox, Rice executive vice president for operations, finance and support, described the Arc as a destination where companies can access sophisticated infrastructure, connect with one another and build relationships that lead to new ideas and opportunities.
Robert T. Ladd, chairman of the Rice Board of Trustees, called the project “a significant investment in Rice’s future and in Houston’s continued growth as a center for innovation.” He added that the Arc will create new opportunities for industry leaders, researchers and students to collaborate on ideas with lasting impact.
Leasing and economic outlook
Pre‑leasing for the Arc is already open, with several companies expressing interest in occupying space. The development is expected to generate construction jobs in the short term and high‑skill research and technology positions once operational, bolstering Houston’s reputation as a national hub for advanced science and engineering.
With its blend of academic excellence, industry collaboration and modern amenities, the Arc represents a major step forward for Houston’s technology ecosystem and a tangible sign of the city’s growing role in the national innovation landscape.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
