Dionna Moore[/caption]Construction began in May on the Tomball Business and Technology Park—a business, technology and corporate development set to open in spring or summer 2016.
Kelly Violette, executive director of the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, said the 120-acre property at the corner of Holderrieth and Hufsmith-Kohrville roads will include land plots with completed infrastructure for business development. The installation of the business and technology park is a joint project between the TEDC, the city of Tomball and Harris County.
"It's going to have a big impact in terms of new jobs—they will all be new jobs. Besides just the new construction, [there is] the importance of those payroll checks being spent in the local economy that will have a significant impact, too."
- Tom Condon, senior vice president for Colliers International
Planning for the $13 million project began in May 2011, and 82 acres are expected to be available for business development upon completion, Violette said.
Tom Condon, senior vice president within the industrial advisory group of Colliers International, said total development of the park should provide between 513 to 611 full-time jobs.
"It's going to have a big impact in terms of new jobs—they will all be new jobs," Condon said. "Besides just the new construction, [there is] the importance of those payroll checks being spent in the local economy that will have a significant impact, too."
Violette said the TEDC is attempting to cater to a diversity of businesses and land uses within the park since industries such as oil and gas can be volatile. She said TEDC officials have already received strong interest.
A 17-acre parcel on the property has generated inquiries from a software firm as well as oil and gas and research and development companies. Violette said possible tenant plans have not been finalized yet.
TEDC and Harris County officials are working to ensure efficient traffic flow on nearby streets once the park opens, Violette said.
Stop lights and turn lanes will be added where Holderrieth Road intersects with Hufsmith-Kohrville and Spell roads, and South Persimmon Street will receive a new left-turn lane with no traffic lights.
The TEDC will fund engineering designs for the traffic lights, and Harris County will complete construction on the new additions by spring or summer 2016.
An improved drainage channel and larger detention pond will provide for regional flood plain mitigation and water detention.
