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

a luxury escape

80 acre Houston-area estate with two ponds listed for $11.5 million

S Lazy S Ranch house exterior at 8502 Stansberry Road

Photo by Sky Crafted Imaging for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

S Lazy S Ranch in Wallis is for sale for $11.5 million.

Imagine acres of green vistas, tree-lined paths and the privacy that comes with a personal oasis. That’s S Lazy S Ranch, set on 80 acres at 8502 Stansberry Road in Wallis. It’s for sale for $11.5 million, listed by Rachel Hrncir with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gated and fenced, this is a remarkable property meant for living, working, and entertaining, with exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces.

Designed in tandem by the seller and Houston architect Robert McKinney, a decorated amateur golfer who’s considered one of the top golf clubhouse designers in the United States, the home unfolds over more than 5,000 square feet and features a distinctive floor plan that maximizes its pond views and is flooded with natural light. From the rugged facade of San Saba stone to a host of contemporary conveniences, this is a space that offers elegant rustic living.

Photo by Sky Crafted Imaging for Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

S Lazy S Ranch in Wallis is for sale for $11.5 million.

The interior’s spacious gathering areas provide opportunities for family relaxation and entertaining a crowd. The chef's kitchen has Viking appliances and is anchored by a large island with seating for five. An open plan provides seamless access to the dining room and living room, with vaulted wood ceilings and a huge stone fireplace.

A luxurious primary suite is a true retreat, with double glass doors opening to a covered patio, two walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath that boasts a jetted soaking tub set against huge windows offering beautiful views. The secondary bedrooms are designed as private suites, and a flexible bonus space can be a game room or other additional gathering spot.

Outdoors, find covered patios, an infinity-edge spa, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, two stocked ponds, and abundant wildlife.The barn includes four horse stalls, workshop, guest apartment, and equipment storage.

With a location south of I-10 and less than an hour from Houston, S Lazy S Ranch is a space that feels deep in the heart of Texas, yet is so close to modern living.