With many students and faculty departing campus for their summer plans, the Real Estate and Facilities team kicks into high gear – working behind the scenes to prepare for the new academic year. From major construction efforts to critical maintenance upgrades, Rice University is investing in its infrastructure to support a dynamic academic environment year-round. These projects—ranging from new building developments to essential systems maintenance—are designed to enhance the student experience, improve energy efficiency, and ensure campus facilities are ready for the year ahead. Here's a look at what's in store for summer 2025.
Continued Capital Project Work
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Colleges 12 & 13 will be prepped for utilities and roof levels with framing, rebar, and pouring of tower level 1-11. Project to be completed Fall 2026.
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Sarofim Hall will be outfitted with interiors and landscaping and then will be ready for move-in. Project to be completed August 2025.
New Capital Project Work
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Alice Pratt Brown Hall will undergo renovations to its concert halls, including new seating, carpet, and hardwood flooring. In addition, the generator’s fuel tank will be repaired and upgraded with a safety backup system. Project to be completed August 2025.
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RUPD headquarters will be completely renovated with a new interior, fire sprinkler system, and utilities. Project to be completed October 2025.
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GRB Tennis Complex will add a new tennis bubble. Project to be completed August 2025.
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Campus Pathway Improvements will include replacing the concrete on the Brochstein Pathway and adding concrete to Hindman Garden to improve accessibility. Project to be completed June 2025.
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Friedman Holistic Garden will receive new concrete pavers in place of the existing granite. Project complete June 2025
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Historic Lovett College will undergo exploratory work in advance of the Phase 2 renovation in summer 2026. Smaller renovations including exterior lighting replacements, emergency egress lighting, fire alarm upgrades, stair railing replacements will also be done. Project to be completed August 2025.
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Campus Perimeter will receive landscaping improvements including the replacement and/or supplement of existing plantings, promotion of native species, and irrigation control improvement. Project will be ongoing and as needed.
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Moody Center Complex for Student Life will begin construction and enabling work by relocating the lift station and the James Surls Sculpture. Project to be completed August 2027.
Maintenance Projects
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The BRC will undergo several maintenance projects, including upgrades to all chemical exhaust fan controls, window washing and soffit cleaning, power washing of 1st and 2nd exterior levels, paver repairs, waterproofing at the entry area, and the modernization of all elevator cabs in the lobby, parking garage, and freight areas. Project to be completed August 2026.
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Brockman Physics & Anderson-Clarke Center will receive energy recovery wheel replacements.
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Harris Gully Natural Area and Detention Pond will be improved with the addition of a small wet pond, native plant restoration efforts, and improved detention capacity.
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The Academic Quad will receive lighting improvements. Project to be completed October 2025.
The following buildings will also receive general cleaning, including floors and windows: Anderson Clarke, Baker Hall, Brockman Physics, Duncan Hall, Fondren Library, Hamman Hall, Herman Brown Hall, Herzstein Hall, Humanities, Library Service Center/Primary Data Service, Rayzor Hall, Rice Memorial Center, Sewall Hall, and the Tudor Fieldhouse.
View the May Admin Forum presentation slides for a full list of projects and more information. If you have questions about these questions, email construction@rice.edu or contact the Facilities Service Center at 713-348-2485 or fsc@rice.edu