Classrooms of the future

Rice University breaks ground on massive business school expansion

Houston’s Rice University already has one of the country’s top business schools, and a new facility could further enhance its lofty reputation. On Thursday, May 9, the school announced it had broken ground on a new, 112,000-square-foot building for the Jones Graduate School of Business.

The still-unnamed building will serve as a compliment to McNair Hall, the business school’s current home that opened in 2002. With the growth in enrollment of both full-time MBA students as well as hybrid programs that include both on campus and remote learning, the Jones School’s faculty has increased by 41 percent, according to a release. The new building will also better help the school host events such as the Rice Business Plan Competition, Rice Energy Finance Summit and the Women in Leadership Conference.

“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.”

Rice turned to New York City-based Architecture Research Office (ARO) to design the new facility. Built above an existing parking garage to help protect against flooding, the building’s structure will wrap around the south and west sides of McNair Hall to create new outdoor public spaces between the two buildings. By adding a glass facade and a coffered roof, it will transform an outdoor courtyard into an indoor/outdoor atrium with a skylight. Inside, students will have access to two, 120-seat classrooms as well as two, 65-seat classrooms. A dining area will offer both indoor and outdoor seating.

Critically, ARO and Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects have taken steps to ensure that the new building doesn’t detract from the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace installation by James Turrell. An angled facade will ensure that the building’s light doesn’t compromise views from within the installation. In addition, large windows in one of the building’s event spaces will provide a clear view of the artwork.

“With the opportunity to design this new building on Rice’s historic — and exceptionally beautiful — campus comes an enormous responsibility,” added Stephen Cassell, ARO’s principal-in-charge for the project. “Our task is to deliver an integrated and contextual yet forward-looking structure that embodies Rice Business’s focus on the future as it continues to grow.”

Along with the groundbreaking, Rice Business announced a $40 million fundraising campaign. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

Courtesy of ARO

Construction is expected to finish in two years.

business school groundbreaking jones graduate school rice-university

wasting away

3,500-home community for 'active adults' approved for Galveston Bay tract

Residents of a Latitude Margaritaville community riding golf carts.

Photo courtesy of Minto Communities

The parrothead ethos lives on.

Jimmy Buffett may be gone, but the Parrothead ethos of chilling on the water lives on. Minto Communities announced this week that they would be opening Latitude Margaritaville Galveston Bay, a 3,500-home active adult community aimed at residents 55 years and older. Opening of the sales center and model park is targeted for first quarter 2028. This will be the first Latitude Margaritaville community in Texas.

“This is an exciting milestone for Minto as we expand into Texas and introduce Latitude Margaritaville to the Greater Houston market,” said Minto Communities executive Dutch Neuweiler. “We appreciate the thoughtful engagement and support of Texas City officials throughout this process and share their vision for creating a community that will have a positive impact well beyond its boundaries. With its location on Galveston Bay and access to everything the surrounding area has to offer, we believe this is an exceptional setting those interested in the iconic lifestyle our communities provide.”

The Latitude Margaritaville brand of communities launched in 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida as part of the late singer's massive brand corporation dedicated to easy living, music, beaches, and food. Aimed at retired adults, they offer access to polls, lounges, theaters, spas, and work centers on top of prioritizing ocean views from the homes.

There should be no shortage of ways to see the water in the Galveston Bay community. The 1,318-acre property is located between State Highways 3 and 146, north of the Emmett F. Lowry Expressway and extending toward Moses Bayou. Texas City Commission has approved the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Development Agreement (DA).

“Margaritaville has a strong commitment to Texas, and Galveston Bay is a perfect place to bring the Latitude Margaritaville lifestyle to life,” said Jim Wiseman, president of development at Margaritaville. “There’s something special about life along the Gulf — the water, the energy, the music, and that unmistakable sense that you’re never too far from a good time. Together with Minto and Texas City, we’re creating more than a community. We’re creating a place where neighbors become friends, every day feels a little more like vacation, and the Margaritaville state of mind comes naturally. We very much appreciate the positive vote and look forward to the road ahead.”

Minto Communities says the development will create 1,742 permanent jobs and generate $68.8 million in annual labor income in Galveston County. No pricing information has been provided yet, but prospective residents can find more information at LatitudeMargaritaville.com.