Lots will be available for purchase in spring 2013
The Tomball Economic Development Corporation's 102-acre business and technology park reached the beginning of a six- to nine-month design process in late December. TEDC officials are enthusiastic about the project as it will meet the growing demand of space from inquiring corporations.
"Over the past several years we have lost businesses to places like Conroe with business parks that have shovel-ready sites," Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan said. "Right now it is so expensive to build in Tomball because you may have to run utilities, and this location will allow companies to move right in."
Fagan and TEDC Executive Director Kelly Violette both said they have noted increased interest from companies looking to move to the Greater Houston Area and already have inquires as to when businesses can begin to move into the park.
The park will be located at the corner of Hufsmith-Kohrville Road and Holderrieth Road, and will be completed in phases. However, the design process will encompass the entire park to plan for utilities, roads and drainage. Phase 1 will include the southeast corner of the park, which is about 25 acres, with a price tag of about $5 million. Although utilities and infrastructure construction may not begin until late 2013 or early 2014, Violette said businesses can still purchase the land in early 2013 after the final platt is approved. Phases 2 and 3 will follow after businesses have bought out phase one.
Conceptual designs of the park outline potential lots, and a company can purchase as many acres as desired with a minimum of 5,000 square feet.
"This park will bring jobs, retain jobs and improve the quality of life," Violette said. "It will enable employees to live and work in the same area. In the long term, after companies make the initial investment, they will look at expansion. So it is not just a one-time, short-term impact to the city."
Companies expected to move into the park are manufacturers that do not leave a major impact on the environment, Violette said. These are light industrial manufacturers that do not impact ground water or pollute.
With the pending construction of the Grand Parkway segments F1 and F2, she said the TEDC is counting on a nearby exit and entrance to allow for quicker and easier mobility.
Additional infrastructure improvements required with the construction of the park may include a traffic signal at Spell Road and Hufsmith-Kohrville, as well as widening Holderrieth Road to allow for large trucks to enter and exit the park without disrupting traffic flow. Those projects, however, may not be completed until after Phase 1.
"It's very exciting to see things moving forward," Fagan said. "We have been talking about this project for years, and I think we will get a lot of interest from businesses."
