What happened
TEDC officials shared results from a community open house held July 11, where residents shared their ideas of how the space should be transformed. Officials said the event drew 200 attendees, and the most-voted-on potential use of the space was a performance venue, with 185 votes. According to the presentation, other potential uses and vote counts included:
- Outdoor: 113 votes
- Dining: 97 votes
- Art gallery: 77 votes
- Banquet hall: 49 votes
- Offices: 48 votes
- Retail: 32 votes
The firm said the study will assess whether the facility can be sustained through a mix of ticket sales, rentals, grants and private donations, while projecting economic impacts for Tomball.
Architects from Studio Red also presented new renderings of the site, including a reconfigured sanctuary that could seat up to 750 people on the main floor and balcony with flexible space for banquets, events and performances.
Several design options from Studio Red architects reflecting Tomball’s German-Texas heritage were shown, with community members weighing in on aesthetics, noise concerns and opportunities to incorporate shade and outdoor gathering spaces.
Diving in deeper
Public comments drew attention to parking shortages as a challenge. A downtown mobility study found Tomball is already short about 130 parking spaces, and Legacy Square could add demand for several hundred more, officials said.
Officials discussed potential solutions such as remote lots with shuttle service and trolley connections similar to those in The Woodlands.
Local groups, including the Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce and the Tomball Art League, voiced support for the project, citing a need for larger event and gallery spaces within city limits.
Council members said continued public engagement and design refinement before moving forward with construction planning is highly encouraged and needed.
What’s next
Consultants with Webb Management Services will continue gathering community input this fall as part of the Legacy Square feasibility study.
The firm is expected to return in about two months with preliminary recommendations on programming, funding models and long-term operations for the proposed venue. Studio Red architects will refine design concepts in parallel, incorporating feedback on aesthetics, shade, parking and noise impacts.
