Rice University and Lincoln Property Company have announced plans for a new research, lab, and office building in Houston’s Ion District. The development, called The Arc at the Ion District, will span 196,400 square feet and be located on a parking lot next to the original Ion building at 4201 Main Street. Construction is expected to begin next spring with completion set for early 2028.
Rice University will anchor the project by leasing 30,000 square feet of office and lab space focused on energy, artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, and computational engineering. The university aims to use this facility to advance commercialization of academic research by working alongside corporate partners, investors, and startups.
The Arc is designed for flexibility with floor plates up to 31,000 square feet and ceiling heights of 15 feet. It will feature high-capacity HVAC and power systems as well as amenities including a gym and outdoor event plazas. Developers are targeting LEED Gold certification for the building. Tenants will also have access to shared amenities in the adjacent Ion building such as conference spaces, restaurants, and an amphitheater.
Located three miles from downtown Houston and one mile from Rice University’s main campus near a light-rail station, The Arc is expected to strengthen the Ion District’s role as a major innovation hub in Houston. Currently, the Ion is about 90 percent leased with tenants that include Chevron, Microsoft, Aramco, Oxy, Shell, United Airlines along with newer firms like Persona AI and Liongard.
Lincoln Property Company’s Gabe Lerner said: “The Arc represents a rare opportunity to help grow a nationally significant innovation hub right here in Houston.”
Rice University has positioned the Ion District as an extension of its campus intended to support Houston’s broader innovation economy. Future plans include adding an incubator building and relocating its development office into the district.
