Midtown Houston continues to evolve as a place where ideas, industry, and investment meet. Through a bold public-private partnership, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) is helping to transform the district into Houston’s premier innovation hub—and The Arc at the Ion District represents the next significant milestone in that journey.
Through MRA’s largest economic development investment to date, the Authority has committed up to $65 million to support infrastructure, community access, and long-term economic development in the heart of the Ion District. This strategic investment, structured through the Ion District Economic Development Agreement, demonstrates MRA’s commitment to leveraging
public resources to catalyze transformative private development that delivers substantial public benefit.
Led by Rice Real Estate Co. in partnership with Lincoln Property Co., The Arc represents the next major expansion of the Ion District. Set to begin construction in the second quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2028, The Arc will introduce nearly 200,000 square feet of flexible research and development space designed to foster collaboration between academic researchers, startups, and global companies.
Rice University will occupy approximately 30,000 square feet of office and lab space on the second floor, with a focus on key fields including energy, artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics. Faculty and students will work alongside corporate partners and entrepreneurs, accelerating the path from discovery to real-world solutions.
The building will also feature state-of-the-art amenities—including an underground parking facility, fitness center, outdoor plazas, and direct access to METRORail—all within the walkable Ion District.
MRA’s partnership in The Arc project was made possible through the Ion District Economic Development Agreement. The potential $65 million investment is funded from tax increment generated by the Ion District development and includes:
● Public infrastructure improvements including plazas, laneways, and streetscape enhancements
● Public parking garage available to the community
● Long-term maintenance agreements ensuring the sustainability of public improvements
This approach ensures that private development generates meaningful public value—reinforcing Midtown’s identity as a place where innovation is inclusive and infrastructure supports opportunity.
The Arc is more than a building—it’s an engine for growth. By catalyzing new business activity and attracting top-tier talent, the project supports Midtown’s mission to diversify the local economy, expand job opportunities, and create a more resilient innovation ecosystem.
Key Benefits to Midtown Include:
● New research and development capacity in one of Houston’s fastest-growing districts
● Job creation across sectors like technology, energy, and healthcare, including tracked commitments for temporary construction jobs and permanent full-time positions
● Enhanced public realm, including community-accessible plazas, public parking, and improved pedestrian connectivity, and upgraded utilities
● Sustainability standards, with LEED Gold certification and energy-efficient infrastructure
The Arc builds on the momentum of the Ion building, which is now more than 90% leased and home to major tenants like Microsoft, Chevron, SLB, and a growing roster of Houston-based startups and venture funds.
From its early roots as a transit corridor to its current role as a hub for culture, commerce, and creativity, Midtown has always been a place of transformation. The Arc continues that legacy—bridging education and industry, equity and innovation, local history and global vision.
As development continues across the Ion District, Midtown Redevelopment Authority remains committed to ensuring that public investments deliver lasting value. Through thoughtful infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and community-centered planning, with each step forward, Midtown is shaping a future that remains rooted in progress, inclusion, and possibility.
