1. 165 acres purchased for Harris County Fair and Rodeo
Published March 10
A 165-acre tract of land that will be used for the Harris County Fair and Rodeo has been purchased by the Stockton Foundation Inc., announced Avison Young—which represented the foundation in the sale—in a March 10 news release.
“We are thrilled to acquire this site to be utilized by our nonprofit group that is focused on engaging youth, agricultural education and development, entertainment, and events in a family-friendly environment,” said Fred Stockton, who is with the Stockton Foundation and serves as chair of the Harris County Fair and Rodeo Association, via news release.
The first fair and rodeo held on the land will likely take place in late 2024, Stockton said, with several historical buildings set to be relocated to the parcel.
Read more about the purchase and take an in-depth look at the fair's history and plans here.
2. More tenants announced for The Grand at 249 development as construction begins in Tomball
Published Oct. 9
The Grand at 249, a $90 million retail center, is under development at the northwest and southwest corners of Hwy. 249 and the Grand Parkway in the southernmost part of the city of Tomball.
As of Oct. 9, leases have been signed or negotiated for 96.1% of the 65-acre retail center since the beginning of the year. Keep reading.
3. Montgomery County approves property tax exemption increase for residents age 65 and older
Published March 28
Residents age 65 and older who already have a homestead exemption will now be able to claim a $50,000 exemption after the Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved raising it from $35,000 during its March 28 meeting. Read more.
4. Tomball community rallies around Mel’s Country Cafe after fire
Published April 21
The Tomball community has raised over $13,000 for local restaurant Mel’s Country Cafe through GoFundMe after it experienced a fire April 16, which damaged 90% of the restaurant’s interior, Melody Henry said in an interview. Keep reading.
5. More tenants announced for Grand Parkway Town Center in Tomball
Published May 5
Jersey Mike’s Subs and AT&T will be among the tenants at the Grand Parkway Town Center after signing leases, NewQuest Properties announced in a May 1 news release. Read more.
6. 1,860 acres acquired in Montgomery County for master-planned community
Published July 21
Oxland Group bought 1,860 acres of land north of FM 1488 and west of Fish Creek Thoroughfare in Montgomery County, with plans to develop a master-planned community, according to the news release. Read the full story.
7. Costco breaks ground on Tomball location
Published Dec. 13
Ground has broken on a Costco location in Tomball at the intersection of Hwy. 249 and Holderrieth Road.
"We are excited to see the project move forward and to welcome Costco to Tomball," Tomball's Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers said via email.
Read more.
8. Magnolia ISD approves 2023-24 school year calendar
Published Feb. 13
The last day of school for students is May 24 before the Memorial Day weekend, according to the approved calendar. Keep reading.
9. Chick-fil-A, Whataburger among tenants coming to Cypress Rosehill Road development
Published Jan. 30
Chick-fil-A, Whataburger and a multifamily housing complex are coming to the development near Cypress Rosehill Road and the Grand Parkway, Radius Development founder and principal Richard Buxbaum said via email Jan. 6. Read the full story.
10. City of Tomball terminates school resource officer agreement with Tomball ISD
Published Feb. 21
The city of Tomball has terminated its three-year agreement to provide school resource officers to Tomball ISD, the city announced in a news release Feb. 21. The city provided its 90-day termination notice in a letter to the district Dec. 9, which Community Impact obtained, meaning the contract termination is effective March 9. Read the full story.
