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.

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artful apartments

330-unit luxury apartment building coming to former Disco Kroger site

Courtesy of Southeastern

A rendering previews the Artis Montrose.

A new luxury apartment building is coming to the site of the former “Disco Kroger” in Montrose. Groundbreaking has taken place for the building, which will be called the Artis Montrose.

Expected to cost $100 million, the 528,734-square-foot, seven-story building will be home to 330 units. Commercial development firm Southeastern, which acquired the property from Kroger in 2021, has retained Arch-Con Corporation to build the project. The name is a play on the phrase “Art is Montrose” and nods to the neighborhood’s history as a destination for creatives from all walks of life.

“Artis Montrose is in the center of one of Houston’s most desirable districts,” Southeastern vice president Mary Senn said in a statement. “The development’s name and design incorporate the site’s history and the neighborhood’s rich tapestry of culture and art.”

Residents will have access to a number of amenities, including a pet spa, office spaces, game and club room, and a fitness center. A podium deck on the third floor will offer a resort-style pool along with outdoor kitchens, a grilling areas, a zen garden, and fire pit.

“When Kroger approached us with this property, we saw it as an ideal development for our multifamily portfolio,” Senn added. “We pride ourselves on creating community with thoughtful design and resident events. Our signage, finishes, unit designs, and amenity usage are all carefully considered to ensure a harmonious living experience. We invest time and effort in our developments because we envision them as long-term investments that will benefit our residents. This commitment sets us apart and helps us retain our valued residents.”

Longtime Montrose residents will remember “Disco Kroger” for its 24-hour operation that attracted a diverse array of customers — from club goers to performers and residents looking for late night eats. Kroger closed the store in January 2021, stating that it had lost money for years.

Adding Artis Montrose will be the latest new project near the intersection of Montrose and Westheimer. Over the past years, the area has seen a number of changes, including the opening of the high-rise tower at La Colombe d’Or and the Montrose Collective mixed-use development. Construction has yet to begin on Starling, a mixed-use development on the site of the former Half Price Books property.

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