Richmond, originally from Maryland, was recruited by George Mitchell to help develop The Woodlands in 1972. As previously reported by Community Impact, over the next 30 years Richmond worked on projects, such as The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, and the Town Center Improvement District.
Richmond’s work in The Woodlands earned him the Legacy Award from The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 30 this year. The award highlights longtime community members who have contributed significantly to The Woodlands area, and its growth and vision, according to the chamber. He was also nominated as a Hometown Hero by Interfaith of The Woodlands in 2002.
“We just can’t say enough about what these men did in founding The Woodlands, because it was an experiment that they didn’t know if it would work out, and it has just been wildly successful, ... the building of this place that’s just the perfect combination of live, work and play,” said JJ Hollie, president of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, in a phone interview,
The Town Center Improvement District would later become The Woodlands Township and set the course for the governmental structure of The Woodlands.
Richmond worked with several development companies over the years who have claimed ownership of The Woodlands, including current developers The Howard Hughes Corp. Jim Carman, Howard Hughes’ Houston region president, said Richmond’s vision was crucial to the development of The Woodlands.
“Michael Richmond has been a pillar in our community since the inception of The Woodlands,” Carman said. “He was instrumental in founding and helping to make The Woodlands one of the most successful master-planned communities in the nation. Our thoughts are with his family and to all those fortunate to have worked with him in the establishment of this amazing hometown.”
After Richmond retired from The Woodlands Operating Company in 2002, he went on to serve as director and vice chair of Woodforest National Bank until 2016. Robert Marling, chair and CEO of Woodforest Financial Group, said Richmond’s contributions will be remembered by the community.
“Many have been blessed in our community by Michael Richmond," Marling said. "Michael was a great businessman that stayed grounded in faith, family and fun. His legacy in The Woodlands and at Woodforest National Bank will be a lasting testament to his family and friends.”
Richmond was also recognized for his work with local hospitals, such as St. Luke’s-The Woodlands and Houston Methodist-The Woodlands. St. Luke’s held a ceremony in 2013 naming the main lobby after Richmond for his help drafting the master plan for their campus as well as serving as chair of its board of directors until 2015.
“Without a doubt, Michael made an indelible impact on The Woodlands community and on my career along with countless others. Michael was a visionary leader who pushed everyone to think big,” said Debbie Sukin, regional senior vice president and CEO for Houston Methodist. “Balanced by his financial acumen, where his focus on [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization], and creating cash flow to reinvest in development has been key to every business he touched. He will forever be one of my greatest mentors.”
Richmond is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, according to obituary information.
