Add as a preferred source on Google

Rice University Breaks Ground on New Business School Facility

  • By Matt Jones
  • 05/10/24

Rice University in Houston, Texas, recently broke ground on a new facility for its Jones Graduate School of Business, according to a news release. The design of the $54.5-million project was unveiled at the ceremony; the building will cover 112,000 square feet and include amenities like classrooms, office and administrative space, dining areas, private-event facilities, and open gathering spaces. The university partnered with Architecture Research Office (ARO) and Kirksey Architecture for design and architecture services, as well as Skanska and B. Bell Builders as general contractors.

The new structure will integrate with the business school’s existing home, McNair Hall, to enhance the current space as well as the general campus environment. The project is a response to both a growing student population and a growing entrepreneurship ecosystem that required more building space.

“This remarkable new building embodies the evolution of Rice Business over the past five decades and its commitment to equipping graduates who are not only integral to organizations around the globe but are also poised to lead them,” said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. “We’re committed to offering top-tier facilities that complement our top-ranked academic programs, attracting the best students, faculty and staff to our campus.”

The building’s classrooms are designed for a variety of learning styles, from traditional lectures to small-group collaboration. They include two 120-seat classrooms, two 65-seat classrooms, and smaller breakout rooms scattered throughout the building. According to the news release, the new building will grow around the existing one to create new public spaces between both.

“We are energized by the momentum of our innovative new programs, the addition of new faculty and students and a fresh outlook on the future,” said Peter Rodriguez, dean of the Jones Graduate School of Business. “Our commitment is to attract more talented and innovative students, faculty and staff to Rice, who will further improve our programs and research capabilities. This wonderful new facility is critical to fulfilling that commitment.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.

Digital Edition