Rice University’s historic Houston campus has been undergoing some drastic physical changes over the past couple of years, transforming well-known spaces while simultaneously creating new ones. And while the old tree-lined paths (thankfully) remain, you might notice a few new sights the next time you’re on campus. And we’re thrilled to be part of the process!
Phase 1: New Engineering Science Building
First up? The Ralph S. O’Connor Building For Engineering Science, otherwise known as the New Engineering Science Building (NESB). While construction of this new building began in 2021, our team’s outdoor hardscape/landscape installation scope started in late 2022.
We led the efforts on all irrigation and drainage around the building, including civil drainage on the south side of the property after a change order was submitted in 2023. This piece of the project is still underway, with an anticipated completion date of summer of 2024. Additionally, we constructed new sidewalks and entrance ramps on the east and west sides of the building, poured the concrete slab that holds the property’s new generator, added decorative concrete and installed fresh landscaping on the Level 2 amenity deck. The new entrance ramps are particularly noteworthy due to their non-traditional design and function.
Phase 2: Rice Academic Quadrangle
Our work on the Rice Quad was as a full-scale general contractor. Demolition of existing landscape and hardscape elements began in late 2023. Though we encountered significant changes to lead times and design changes from project onset, our team of solutionists prevailed, working through these challenges to push the project forward. Construction took a brief pause during Spring graduation ceremonies but have since resumed.
Since the beginning of the year, all hardscape elements have been completed aside from site furnishings. The space is adorned with new sidewalks, and students and faculty alike will enjoy the shade provided by two new custom-built pergolas made by Renfrow+Co. Mature trees have been planted to tie in with the campus’s historic vibe; we anticipate remaining elements to be installed by the end of June.
Phase 3: Wilson House Relocation
In conjunction with Anslow-Bryant Construction, work recently begun on the relocation of the Wilson House. Our team is heading up all property improvements, including light landscaping, irrigation & drainage, decorative gravel, new sidewalks, concrete work, stairs, ramps and the relocation of some large trees.
That’s a wrap for our Rice University update! Full content on each project is forthcoming.
