Tomball City Council members unanimously approved a development agreement June 3 for the construction of Tomball Heights—a subdivision slated for about 9.2 acres at Brown and Quinn roads. The new community, being developed by MHW Real Estate, targets young homebuyers, MHW Marketing Director Jessica Stark said. “We’re really seeing a need for starter homes,” she said, referring to homes often purchased by young, first-time homebuyers. To meet the need for starter homes, Stark said home prices are anticipated to range from the $190,000s-$220,000s. “The city of Tomball was thrilled to work with us on meeting the needs of its community,” said Jonathan Sellers, principal of MHW Development and Construction, in a statement. Tomball Heights, slated to break ground in July, is the first residential project by MHW Real Estate in Tomball, Stark said. It will feature 50-foot lots with about 40 homes, she said. Homes will begin preselling immediately after the groundbreaking. Community amenities will include green spaces, walking paths and a playground, she said. Hallmark Builders—the chosen builder for the community—will also offer energy-efficient homes, Stark said. She said MHW Real Estate is part of the Environments for Living program. According to the program’s website, Environments for Living is a national program assisting builders in constructing and marketing energy-efficient homes. This entails upgraded insulation; double-paned vinyl windows; radiant roof decking; Energy Star-compliant products; and high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, Stark said. “Our residential division ... will be providing a great product with amenities homebuyers are looking for in a more expensive home, but at an affordable price,” Sellers said. Build-out for Tomball Heights is expected to take 12-18 months from the groundbreaking, Stark said. As Tomball Heights is located within the city of Tomball’s Public Improvement District No. 9—created by council at a May 6 meeting—the new community will include an additional property tax rate of $0.75 per $100 valuation, Stark said. The creation of a PID allows a developer to levy an assessment on homeowners within the PID to fund public infrastructure, reimbursing the developer for certain costs. As the city of Tomball grows, Starks said MHW Real Estate chose the Brown Road site due to its proximity to Lone Star College-Tomball and the ongoing extension of Hwy. 249 from Tomball to Navasota. “[The Hwy.] 249 expansion and [Grand Parkway] really opens up traffic in the area,” she said. View our other Real Estate Edition coverage.