ion district

midtown houston redevelopment anchored in inclusive innovation

The Ion District is a transformative redevelopment effort that reimagined a historic Sears building and surrounding properties in Midtown Houston into a thriving innovation hub. This visionary project, led by Rice Management Company
(now Rice Real Estate), aimed to drive equitable economic development by fostering access to entrepreneurship, tech training, and community investment. 

Since its launch in 2018, the Ion District has set a new standard for urban redevelopment by balancing growth with community benefit. A landmark Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), established in 2021, secured $15.3 million in direct investments to support housing, workforce development, and underrepresented business founders. The Ion District is now a national model for innovation rooted in community.

SCOPE

Showcase inclusive innovation and redevelopment in Midtown Houston

Elevate community-driven wins tied to a $15.3M Community Benefits Agreement

Partner with the City of Houston, Rice University, and local stakeholders

Promote access to affordable housing, workforce training, and minority-led entrepreneurship

Engage media, elected officials, and corporate partners

Highlight preservation of cultural identity alongside future-forward growth

Provide accessible public use of the Ion space for community members

RESULTS

Created Hundreds of Jobs through construction, Ion tenants, and entrepreneurship support programs

Launched Equity-Focused Accelerators & Training, opening doors for founders and professionals from historically underrepresented communities

Established Community Accountability through a formal CBA and a diverse Community Advisory Council to ensure promises are honored

  • Secured $15.3M in Direct Investment, including:

    • $5M for minority- and women-led business support

    • $4.5M for affordable housing initiatives

    • $2M for workforce training and upskilling

  • Transformed 16 acres into a walkable, tech-forward district supporting collaboration between corporations, startups, and the community

  • Earned regional and national press coverage, including the Houston Chronicle, NPR affiliates, and innovation-focused media outlets

  • Hosted over 50 stakeholder and media events, fostering transparency, visibility, and civic engagement