Greystar Development presented plans to Tomball City Council Aug. 18 for a master-planned development to be built at the northeast corner of Hwy. 249 and Holderrieth Road.

Trent Conner, managing director with Greystar Development, said the proposed mixed-use development would feature retail and restaurant options as well as high-end, multifamily residential units.

"We like Tomball," Conner said. "We have wanted to come to Tomball for a long time and we think the time is right for this type of development within the city limits."

Some ideas for possible retail and restaurant options within the development include Massage Envy, Sport Clips, Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Macaroni Grill and Starbucks, Conner said. The proposed multifamily units would be high-end apartments with both one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The apartments would also include amenities such as a fitness center, a walking trail, a resident lounge, a resort-style swimming pool, an outdoor eating area with grills and a dog park, he said.

The development is intended to capitalize on the influx of people coming to Tomball who want to live inside the city. Conner said there is a lack of multifamily residential options within the city limits, as there has not been an apartment complex constructed in the city since 1999.

"We think there is a high demand for more apartments within the city limits of Tomball," Conner said. "People want to live in Tomball but right now there are not many multifamily options for them to do so."

The proposed development is aimed at attracting individuals and families who are building homes in the area and need a place to stay in the meantime. It will also attract young professionals, professionals relocating to the area and empty nesters, he said.

Councilman Derek Townsend was not in favor of the proposition to construct apartments within Tomball city limits and expressed his discontent with the idea.

"There is a reason we haven't built an apartment complex in Tomball since 1999, and it's because people don't want them," Townsend said. "Apartments place a burden on our schools, our wastewater, our fire department and other city services. I think you are going to have a hard time getting this development approved."

Greystar Development plans to submit an application to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission to get the property at Hwy. 249 and Holderrieth Road rezoned from commercial use to a planned development, Conner said. The Planning and Zoning Commission must first approve the rezoning, and if that occurs, the development will be brought before City Council for approval before any construction can commence.