In 1824, a land grant from Stephen F. Austin marked the beginning of one of Fort Bend County's most enduring and meaningful family legacies. Over the generations, the George family helped shape the region through ranching, philanthropy and a steadfast commitment to the community. Today, their legacy lives on through The George Foundation, which continues to invest in local nonprofit organizations impacting education, human needs, health and wellness, youth development, and other community needs throughout Fort Bend County.
Today, that remarkable history is inspiring a new chapter. The George, Johnson Development's newest master-planned community, honors the family's heritage while creating a place designed for future generations to build their own lasting legacy.
The George is taking shape on 1,500 acres at Ricefield Rd. and Benton Rd., just east of FM 2977.
"The George is unlike any community we've ever had the opportunity to develop," said Stephen Brovarone, Vice President and General Manager of The George. "It's influenced by over 200 years of Fort Bend County history, and we've worked closely with The George Foundation to honor that legacy while creating a place where today's families can establish traditions of their own."
"Every detail was thoughtfully considered to reflect the George family's story," Director of Marketing Carrie Roehling said. "From the street names and entrance monuments to the parks and trails, we want residents to feel connected to the history while creating memories that become part of the community's next chapter."
Street names honor members of the George family, the community's logo is inspired by the family's final cattle brand, and at the main entrance, five majestic oak trees represent the four generations of George women whose vision and stewardship helped shape the ranch into the lasting legacy it is today. Those four women are:
- Nancy Jones
- Polly Ryon
- Lizzie Davis
- Mamie George
The first neighborhood park will feature a treehouse-inspired playground, paying tribute to a treehouse built by A.P. George for a young family member named Mary. Other elements throughout the park will share the stories of the George family’s history and the legacy of the ranch.
Designed for today's families
While rooted in history, The George is thoughtfully designed for the way families live today.
The community is surrounded by existing Lamar CISD campuses, including Steenbergen Middle School, Wright Junior High, Randle High School and Thomas Elementary School, which currently serves The George. Land has also been designated for a future elementary school within the community.
"One of the things that makes The George especially unique is how connected everything will be," Brovarone said. "Families will have the opportunity to walk or bike to nearby schools, parks and future amenities using an extensive trail system and pedestrian tunnels designed to safely connect the community."
The community is also planning ways to connect residents to the historic George Ranch, welcoming over 25,000 students every year for a hands-on learning experience and will continue to encourage visitors to explore the area's rich history while preserving the historic ranch as its own destination.
“The historic George Ranch is an important part of this community's story," Brovarone said. "Our goal is to complement and support the work The George Foundation is doing by encouraging more people to experience the park and learn about its history."
Additional planned amenities include miles of walking and biking trails, parks, outdoor gathering spaces and a signature amenity center that is in the design phase.
Eight award-winning builders are bringing an exceptional collection of homes to The George, including Chesmar, Newmark, Perry, Empire, Westin, David Weekley, Highland and J. Patrick Homes. Each builder will offer at least one floor plan available exclusively at The George, giving homebuyers unique options they won't find anywhere else. Homes are priced from the mid-$300,000s. Several model homes are now open with the remaining models expected to open this summer. The community will celebrate its official public grand opening event planned for Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"A great master-planned community is about much more than beautiful homes," Brovarone said. "It's about creating opportunities for neighbors to connect, families to gather and traditions to take root. That's the kind of community we're building at The George."
A full-time lifestyle director will coordinate year-round events, bringing residents together through family activities, holiday celebrations and social gatherings.
"The George represents a rare opportunity to be part of something that's deeply connected to Fort Bend County's past while thoughtfully designed for its future," Brovarone said. "As the first families move in, they'll become part of a story that began generations ago—and they'll help write its next chapter."
For those interested in learning more about The George, more information can be found here.