Rice University broke ground on the Moody Center Complex for Student Life (MCCSL), a 75,000-square-foot facility, made possible by a $100 million gift from the Moody Foundation and $15 million from the Brown Foundation.

The new facility will feature the Brown Foundation Pavilion that opens to the Central Quad, offering opportunities for both indoor and outdoor events, including performances, lectures and multicultural celebrations. The building will also house various spaces, such as a café, coffeehouse, meeting rooms, study areas and student services offices, designed to meet the needs of Rice’s diverse and growing student body.

Five years ago, Rice had about 4,000 undergraduate students. By 2028, it set a goal to increase that number to around 9,500 students, including graduate students.

The center was designed by Olson Kundig, with Page serving as executive architect. The new building is expected to be completed in fall 2027.