What we know of today as Reese Technology Center had it’s beginnings as an Air Corps Flying School for the United States in 1942. In 1949 it was renamed Reese Air Force Base in honor of a local West Texas pilot, Augustus F. Reese Jr., who was killed in a bombing raid over Italy during World War II.

Over the years many milestones were accomplished at Reese Air Force Base including a special pilot training program, the first flight simulator used in a training program and a joint pilot training program with the Navy. Reese Air Force Base provided the best trained military pilots in the world for more than 50 years. More than 25,000 pilots, who fought in every conflict since World War II, were trained at Reese.

In 1995 word reached the Lubbock community that Reese Air Force Base was on the Pentagon’s hit list for base closures. In spite of much opposition from community members and leaders alike, the base closure was announced for September 30, 1997. Thankfully, local officials had not been sitting idly by, they were prepared. The Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Committee (LRRC) was created in 1995, just two weeks after the base was recommended to be closed.

The Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Committee was renamed the Redevelopment Authority (LRRA) and could now execute contracts for base property. This committee was comprised of local government officials and area business people. The mission of the LRRA was to attract economic prospects and create new jobs.

Today, after much planning and hard work on the part of the LRRA, Lubbock can boast a World-Class Research and Business Park. Reese Technology Center offers the opportunity for the region to continue its growth and economic development. The uniqueness of Reese Technology Center is due to the synergy created by all of its partners: Texas Tech University, South Plains Association of governments and the City and County of Lubbock. At Reese we look forward to the future with anticipation, knowing that this partnership will continue to bring new economic opportunities to the Lubbock area.