Construction activity will continue across Rice this summer as the university advances on major campus projects, infrastructure upgrades and long-term planning efforts tied to student life, research and campus growth.
The work spans Rice’s central campus, the Ion District and surrounding areas, with projects led by Facilities, Planning and Capital Construction (FP&CC) and the Rice Real Estate Company.
Here’s what to expect this summer.
What’s Taking Shape
Several of Rice’s largest construction projects will make significant progress this summer ahead of future openings.
- Lovett and Chao Colleges will continue with interior construction, landscaping, furniture installation and building preparation activities. A new public art installation is also planned for the site. The colleges remain on track for completion in summer 2026.
- The Rice Business expansion is also entering its final stages. Summer work will focus on landscaping, final building preparation and occupancy planning before the facility becomes fully operational for the fall semester.
- Final updates to Main Street Residence (formerly Lovett College) include improvements to rooms and building systems. The building opens this fall to provide flexible, temporary housing during residential college renovations.
- Moody Center Complex for Student Life is moving from early site work into vertical construction, meaning more visible structural progress will take shape over the coming months. The center is expected to open in fall 2027.
- Construction on the new practice pavilion is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. The facility will replace the current practice bubble and is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Campus Connectivity and Growth
In addition to active summer construction projects, Rice is continuing long-term planning and design efforts focused on campus connectivity and future growth.
- The Gateway Project and Rice Village connection efforts will focus on improving pedestrian and bicycle access between Rice University and Rice Village. Planned updates include extending Amherst Street and improving crossings near Greenbriar.
- Development also continues in the Ion District, where plans are moving forward for The Arc, a future research and innovation space that will include laboratories, offices and community gathering areas. To help improve access, Rice now offers shuttle service between the central campus and the Ion District for students, faculty and staff.
Maintenance and Infrastructure Projects
Alongside larger construction efforts, FP&CC will complete a variety of maintenance and infrastructure projects this summer.
Planned work includes classroom upgrades in several academic buildings, security improvements such as updated cameras and access systems, and ongoing improvements at the Bioscience Research Collaborative, including elevator and mechanical upgrades.
Road and infrastructure work will also continue with repairs along Campanile Road and reconstruction of the Entrance 1 gate wall. In addition, a new parking lot near the Bioscience Research Collaborative is nearing completion.
Together, these projects support Rice’s continued growth while helping maintain safe, functional and modern spaces for teaching, research and campus life.
For more information and additional details, view the Admin Forum presentation or contact FP&CC at construction@rice.edu.