ACMI Properties, a national industrial developer of mission-critical aerospace and national security facilities, announced several major milestones in the advancement of its 207-acre Exploration Park development on NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
ACMI selected Griffin Partners as a new co-development partner, Gensler as the design firm for the project, and Walter P Moore as the civil engineering firm for the pioneering campus.
As the United States increases efforts to return to the Moon, reach Mars, and expand capabilities in orbit, the need for commercially driven innovation has never been greater. Exploration Park is being developed as the nation’s premier hub to accelerate this next era of exploration — a place where breakthrough technologies are conceived, built, and launched to support America’s leadership in space. KBR, a global leader in science, technology and engineering solutions, will serve as one of the anchor tenants at Exploration Park, establishing a strong foundation for the campus’ commercial ecosystem.
“As the number of people visiting, working, and living in space grows, much of the essential technology to enable that exploration and commerce will be born out of companies located at Exploration Park,” said Simon Shewmaker, Head of Development at ACMI Properties. “We are seeing a cascade of tenancy interest from companies and are thrilled to be working alongside Griffin Partners and leading architecture and engineering firms to bring the project to life.”
Griffin Partners, a Houston-based real estate investment firm with a national footprint and deep expertise in developing successful industrial and office projects, was selected as a strategic partner for the development at Exploration Park, bringing operational scale and precision to the delivery of aerospace, manufacturing, and science facilities.
“Exploration Park is an exciting opportunity to build a place where ideas for the future of space exploration can take shape,” said Fred Griffin, Chairman and Founder of Griffin Partners. “With ACMI and our amazing partners, we’re creating an environment where groundbreaking technologies can be developed and launched.” Travis Covington, President of Development at Griffin Partners adds, “We create spaces where innovation and collaboration can thrive. Our team is committed to turning this vision into reality by delivering best-in-class facilities that empower our partners to do their best work.”
ACMI also announced the selection of key partners for the site’s development, including world-renowned architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler and leading global engineering and consulting firm Walter P Moore as the civil engineer. Gensler brings over 60 years of design leadership and a research-driven, client-focused approach. Leveraging deep local expertise and an established relationship with NASA, Gensler delivers flexible, phased solutions that adapt to evolving requirements and advance ACMI’s strategic vision. Walter P Moore brings nearly a century of expertise designing some of the world’s most innovative structures, leveraging cutting-edge technologies essential to the success off visionary projects like Exploration Park.
“Gensler is excited to partner with ACMI and Griffin on the vision for Exploration Park,” said Lucian Nesline, Principal at Gensler Houston. “This collaboration allows us to strategically tap into our advanced manufacturing, science and technology design expertise to help build a dynamic environment that fosters innovation in research and development.”
“Exploration Park represents a significant step in advancing emerging technologies connected to NASA’s Johnson Space Center,” said Charlie Penland, Managing Principal at Walter P Moore. “We are excited to contribute our engineering expertise as part of this collaborative team effort to help bring ACMI’s vision to life in the Clear Lake community.”
Exploration Park is being purpose-built to be a premier hub for commercial space innovation and a global center of excellence for human spaceflight, supporting missions to Mars, the Moon, and orbit, with at least 20 build-to-suit facilities on a campus that can accommodate at least 1.5 million square feet. Designed to support R&D, labs, clean rooms, offices, and light manufacturing, the park will serve key sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics, life support systems, AI and other technologies critical to human spaceflight, space commerce, and exploration. JLL’s Richard Quarles, David Holland, and Angela Watford are managing leasing efforts at Exploration Park on behalf of ACMI.
