Rice Village could be on the receiving end of multiple infrastructure upgrades, safety and security enhancements, as well as parking facility improvements. The newly created Rice Village Management District was approved for more than $430 million in bonds after five special-purpose ballot measures passed during the Nov. 4 general election.
“The current condition of water, sewer, drainage and road infrastructure is poor, and the Rice Village Management District, through the authorized bonds, provides a way to significantly upgrade this infrastructure without burdening Houston taxpayers,” a statement provided to Community Impact from the legal office representing the district states.
Four voters within the Rice Village Management District’s boundaries approved propositions A-E. The district's boundaries are mainly composed of commercial properties, except two people living within the district’s boundaries, according to Rice officials.
Several potential enhancements to the area, according to Rice Village officials and Houston City Council agenda documents, include:
- Burying power lines
- Adding new sewer and wastewater lines
- Improving flood mitigation measures
- Increasing public safety such as patrol services
- Improving mobility options to reduce traffic congestion
- Adding new pedestrian and street infrastructure
Officials said that a timeline for projects and enhancements to begin is still undetermined, as of Dec. 5.
Breaking it down
Rice Village has grown in acreage and modernization since it was first established in Houston in 1938. What was mainly a commercial shopping center filled with storefronts, barber and deli shops, has evolved over the years to include a variety of high-end eateries, boutiques, as well as home to multiple in-demand, larger retail brands.
With the shift to selling high-end goods and services as well as multiple building renovations, property values estimated by the Harris Central Appraisal District found Rice Village values have increased since 2014, as previously reported in Community Impact.
Average property value in the Village has risen 15.26% since 2018, an average growth of 3.8% per year. By comparison, between 2014 and 2017, property value in Rice Village grew 52.25%, an average of 13% per year, according to data provided by HCAD.
The big picture
As the newly created Rice Village Management District oversees more than 28 acres of land, according to district officials, the future of public infrastructure needed to support Rice Village and future development in the area will be evaluated for board approval and action.
Another statement from the management district's legal office said that the project timeline will depend on multiple factors related to broader market conditions and real estate development.
New real estate development is a cause of concern for Guy Streatfeild, who has been the owner of the shop British Isles located on Rice Boulevard for over 30 years. While he said his landlord is not under Rice Village Management, they are located in the Rice Village area shops.
“We’re supportive, obviously, of all the developments that Rice is doing, the bond issue and all the rest of it, but we’re nervous because of the example of what has happened over here,” Streatfeild said.
He said that since the construction of a luxury 14-story condominium next to his shop, the sidewalk and lane of traffic have been blocked, causing disruptions for local businesses and customers.
“It is difficult one and an example of what we don’t want to happen,” Streatfeild said.
How we got here
- In late 2024, Rice Real Estate Company, a division of Rice University, sought to create the Rice Village Management District and spoke with stakeholders and commercial property owners.
- By March 2025, Rice Real Estate Company officials received the support and consent from Houston City Council to create the district.
- In July, the Rice Village Management District was formally established and officials organized the special-purpose bond election measures for the Nov. 4 Harris County general election.
Going forward
Rice officials said representatives continue to meet regularly with community members and city officials to share more information about the district and its plans for future infrastructure improvements in Rice Village.
Streatfeild said he attended Rice University’s Nov. 6 public presentation that unveiled the university’s plans to transform the west side of the campus to create what they are calling the "Gateway Project," which includes creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor that will link the campus to the center of the Rice Village Shopping Center.
While the business owner said the presentation was interesting and exciting, he said one topic was missing.
“One thing that was simply missing was any talk about parking,” Streatfeild said. “Parking is always a problem in the Village.”
Ken Jett, president of the Rice Real Estate Company, told Community Impact that the majority of details for the Gateway Project that will affect Rice Village is still under discussion, including how to navigate the parking situation.
