After two years of development, Metropark Square welcomed its first tenant when an AMC Theatre opened March 1.

Work on the 69-acre, mixed-use development project began in April 2016, according to Daniel Moon, vice president of Sam Moon Group, the development company. However, the permit was not approved until September 2018 because of delays caused by flooding from Hurricane Harvey, after which Moon said construction advanced quickly.

“We have cleared out the remaining site that was affected by the wetlands and have started all of the remaining infrastructure, including new sewer lines, water lines, drainage and roads,” Moon said. “All of the new infrastructure will be completed by the end of this summer.”

In addition to the theater, other site components are anticipated to reach completion within the year.

According to Moon, an Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is completing its interiors and plans to open its doors in April, and a Dave and Busters restaurant currently under construction is expected to open in December.

Each location at the site has a minimum 10-year lease, with some leases extending to 15 years, Moon said.

“We are currently at lease with several restaurants including breakfast, Japanese sushi, Indian, a bar and tavern, and a couple of dessert shops,” Moon said. “These restaurant and retail tenants will not open until we open our 1,000-car, five-level parking garage.”

Construction on the parking garage has already begun and is anticipated to open this September, he said.

Along with retail space, Metropark Square will begin construction of a Hyatt House hotel in April, and a 325-unit multifamily project is anticipated to begin toward the end of the year.

“This project will add a much-needed new gathering space for the local residents of Shenandoah, The Woodlands and Conroe,” Moon said. “With all the growth to these areas, there has not been much added in the form of new exciting gathering spots with entertainment, restaurants, hotels and multifamily. Metropark Square will provide the area with a convenient, walkable and exciting place to spend quality time with friends and family.”

Jackie Thompson, city of Shenandoah development manager, also said the addition of Metropark Square will increase the tax base and population of the surrounding area.