Rice University unveils plans for former Sears building

A rendering of The Ion, the former Sears building in Midtown that is being transformed into an innovation center. A rendering of The Ion, the former Sears building in Midtown that is being transformed into an innovation center. Photo: Rice University Photo: Rice University Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Rice University unveils plans for former Sears building 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

Rice University said it would begin renovations in May to the historic Sears building on Main Street, a project that aims to transform the Midtown property into the centerpiece of what leaders hope will become a thriving innovation district.

Rice, which announced its latest plans for the property Wednesday, said the renovated 270,000-square-foot building will be renamed The Ion. Work is scheduled to commence in May.

"I gleefully applaud this next giant step in the creation of an innovation hub that will take Houston closer to becoming a world leader in data science and digital technologies" Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. "As I said last year when the idea was unveiled, we have to leap, not stroll, into the economic frontier. Now the physical transformation of The Ion will help get us there."

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The Ion represents the first phase in the development of Rice's broader innovation district, which will be developed on 16 acres in Midtown and is set to include commercial development, housing and public spaces.

Through academic and corporate partners, the redesigned former Sears building will host educational events, demonstrations, hack-a-thons and programming events. Restaurant and entertainment venues will be added, as well.

The cost of the renovation, which is expected to be completed next year, was not disclosed.

The new name comes from the Greek ienai, which means 'go,' said Rice University President David Leebron.

"We see it as embodying the ever-forward motion of discovery, the spark at the center of a truly original idea. It also represents the last three letters in many of the words that define the building's mission, like inspiration, creation, acceleration and innovation. The Ion will become Houston's nucleus for innovation, fostering a community and culture where entrepreneurs and corporations come together to solve some of the world's greatest problems," he said.

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The Rice Management Co., which manages the Rice University endowment, is leading the project. A network of the area's institutions of higher learning – including Rice, the University of Houston, UH-Downtown, the University of St. Thomas, Houston Community College, Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist University, San Jacinto College and the South Texas College of Law – will also provide academic programming.

Technology incubator Station Houston will oversee the public programming efforts to include entrepreneurial workshops, conferences, industry lectures, job training, educational classes and networking events.

Houston-based Hines is managing the development on behalf of Rice Management Co.

The renovated building will retain signature elements of the original art deco design, including historic corners, glass block windows, decorative tilework and a three-sided storefront with architectural canopies, Rice said.

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New York-based SHoP Architects, James Carpenter Design Associates and James Corner Field Operations, along with the Houston office of Gensler, to are involved in the redesign of the 1939 building.

The building has been pared down to its art deco façade after metal cladding placed around the structure in the 1960s was removed.

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