The company behind the highly successful Woodforest community, along with seven other Houston area developments, is taking over development of Discovery of Spring Trails and re-branding the embattled project to reflect its new concept.
Johnson Development will manage the completion of what it is now calling Harmony, the 1,000-acre community at Rayford and Riley Fuzzel roads. Under the Discovery at Spring Trails moniker, the community developed 262 lots, 132 of which are occupied. Nearly 1,800 residential home sites remained to be developed.
Bob Douglas, vice president of Johnson Development, said once planning, engineering and bidding is completed, construction on new homes could begin in about six months.
Douglas said the development gives his company "a new canvas to paint."
"It is well located. If you look at any of our other communities, this gives us an opportunity to apply our trade to another venture," he said.
Johnson Development will invest more than $5.8 million within the next 18 months for a new aquatics center, enhanced landscaping and neighborhood parks.
"We're anticipating great interest in Harmony, particularly with those relocating to the north part of town for the new ExxonMobil campus," said Johnson Development President Larry Johnson. "This property is a true hidden gem."
When it was known as Discovery at Spring Trails, the development fell under financial troubles after its development company, Land Tejas Co., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July of last year.
"We think given the project's history it's important to gain a new identity," Douglas said.
Once completed, Harmony will offer homes from the $150s to the $400s.