Civic

HOUSTON — General contractors Skanska and B. Bell Builders have broken ground on the Jones Graduate School of Business, a $54.5 million academic building on the campus of Rice University in Houston. Designed by Houston-based Kirksey Architecture and Architecture Research Office, the new building will be integrated into McNair Hall, the current home of the business school. In addition to classrooms and office spaces, the new building will feature dining areas and private event rooms. Completion is slated for spring 2026.

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Texas-based general contractor Bartlett Cocke has broken ground on a $31 million academic building in metro Austin that will be part of the Round Rock Independent School District’s Early College High School campus. The 46,500-square-foot building will house classrooms and science labs, student breakout spaces, a cafeteria, central common area that can accommodate 150 students, a fitness center, an administration suite and outdoor dining and study spaces. O’Connell Robertson is providing architecture and engineering services, and Birmingham-based HPM is the program manager for the project. Completion is slated for fall 2025.

MCKINNEY, TEXAS — Developer Griffin | Swinerton has broken ground on a 40,000-square-foot hangar building at the 745-acre McKinney National Airport in metro Dallas. The project includes the construction of a 3,200-square-foot inspections building that will expedite the customs process for international travelers. Project partners include architecture firm JRMA, engineering firm Garver and general contractor Swinerton, which is an affiliate of the developer. Completion is slated for May 2025.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Brookfield Residential Properties has completed the 21-acre Skyline Park, located at 7800 Apogee Blvd. in the Easton Park neighborhood of Austin. Skyline Park offers views of downtown Austin, a bridge connection resembling the Pennybacker Bridge, a splash pad, an open lawn and two playgrounds designed to cater to children of a range of age groups. In addition, the park connects to a 13-mile network of walking trails. Project partners included landscape architect TBG, CBD civil engineering, Stanley Studio architects, PKA structural engineers and CMP project management consultants. A grand opening event took place on Saturday, May 4.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — General contractor Whiting-Turner has begun construction on the West Infill project at the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The project will add 75,000 square feet of space across four levels, encompassing areas such as baggage handling, apron space, the concourse and a new mezzanine level. Additionally, the project team will undertake enhancements to mechanical, electrical and IT systems to minimize wait times and maximize efficiency for the 57,000 travelers who pass through the airport on a daily basis. Gensler is the project architect. Completion is slated for spring 2026.