Rice University celebrated a major milestone Sept. 4 with a topping out ceremony for the new Chao College and the future permanent home of Lovett College. The ceremony marked the completion of the highest points of building superstructure on the two adjacent residential college buildings, which will soon house nearly 600 Owls.
Designed by renowned Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen with Houston-based Kirksey as executive architect and Harvey Cleary Construction as general contractor, the combined 269,000-square-foot complexes will expand Rice’s distinctive residential college system with modern amenities, vibrant outdoor spaces and state-of-the-art sustainability features.
“When completed, these new colleges won’t just add buildings to our campus — they’ll create new homes for our students, homes that will shape friendships, traditions and memories for generations to come,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said.
“This project is a reflection of Rice’s moment of growth. As we increase our student body and expand our campus, we remain committed to what has always set Rice apart: a culture of care, a close-knit community and the belief that every student should feel they belong.”
When finished, Lovett’s new 11-story tower and Chao’s 10-story tower will each house just under 300 students. The colleges will share a next-generation, all-electric servery that includes a robotic cooking station — a first for Rice — as well as elevated outdoor activity spaces. Other highlights include a 3,000-square-foot rooftop terrace and an 11,000-square-foot quad at Chao as well as a rooftop pickleball court at Lovett.
“Today’s topping out ceremony marks the moment the buildings’ structural frameworks are complete — a symbolic point where we can begin to envision how these remarkable buildings will soon come to life as homes for our students,” said Ken Jett, vice president for facilities and capital construction and president of Rice Real Estate Co.. “Today, we celebrate not only steel and concrete and the hard work of everyone involved in construction but also the future students who will call Chao and Lovett colleges home.”
In keeping with Rice’s commitment to sustainability, the project is targeting LEED Gold certification, which is awarded to projects for sustainable design and construction. Design elements include solar panels, a rainwater cistern and the use of reclaimed and bird-friendly materials.
The residential colleges will also continue Rice’s tradition of fostering close-knit academic communities. A dedicated faculty magister and their family will live adjacent to students, providing academic, cultural and personal guidance. Residential associates will also live in the colleges to enrich student life.
The new buildings — located on the site of the former Sid Richardson College — are slated to open in fall 2026. Chao College will welcome its first class of matriculating students, while Lovett College will move into its new home adjacent to Chao after more than half a century in its original building.
