Houston development updates: Hobby Center, Rice's Ion District
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The Arc. Photo: Courtesy of Bogza
From downtown Houston to Sugar Land, several major development projects have been taking shape across the region this week.
Here's a look at the latest developments:
🎭 The Hobby Center announced a $45 million capital campaign for renovations that include a new 160-seat performance venue, upgraded lobbies, a redesigned box office and new gathering spaces.
- The intimate, club-style venue will host jazz, Broadway favorites and world music, with a full bar and dining options. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2028.
🏢 Rice University broke ground Wednesday on the Arc, a $75 million, seven-story research and office building in Midtown's Ion District.
- The nearly 200,000-square-foot facility will house labs and offices focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, energy and other emerging technologies. Rice will occupy about 40% of the building. Completion is expected in 2028.
🏭 Sugar Land's Imperial Sugar Char House broke ground Thursday on its $15 million preservation project after sitting vacant for more than two decades.
- The city, which acquired the historic property last year, plans to repair its roof, walls and windows and restore its signage, preparing the century-old landmark for potential restaurants, retail and offices by March 2028.
🚗 Houston First completed the 1,000-space parking garage in East Downtown on Thursday, a milestone in the $1.4 billion first phase of the George R. Brown Convention Center's expansion.