Downtown Tomball is entering what Tomball Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Kelly Violette called “an exciting period of investment,” but the changes ahead are bringing as many questions as there are possibilities.
The overview
Residents have already raised concerns about parking, traffic, project costs and preserving downtown’s history as plans for Legacy Square, which sits at the former First Baptist Church campus, continue. Violette said TEDC has heard those concerns and is taking a slower, more deliberate approach.
That balance is also guiding the city’s work. Tomball Public Works Director Drew Huffman said residents and business owners should expect a downtown that is “safer, more connected, more attractive, more resilient and better positioned for future growth” while maintaining its small-town character.
Some of that change is already visible through alley improvements, bollard construction and work at Depot Park. Other projects, including FM 2920 reconstruction, drainage improvements, Legacy Square and South Live Oak, will unfold over several years.
For businesses, the coming FM 2920 work is a particular concern. Violette said coordination will be critical.
Still, she said the goal is not to remake Old Town.
“Our overall goal is ... to enhance it,” she said. “And to make sure that as downtown continues to evolve, it still remains uniquely Tomball.”
A closer look
While downtown’s smaller projects are already visible, its largest transportation change—which falls along Main Street—is still being designed.
The Texas Department of Transportation is leading the FM 2920/Main Street Rehabilitation Project, with utility relocation work expected to be completed by mid-2027. Afterward, bidding for the project is anticipated in late 2027, and construction is expected to begin in 2028.
Tomball Project Manager Meagan Mageo said the city is reviewing plans, designing utility relocations and coordinating streetscape improvements. It is also working with an arborist to grow replacement trees now so larger trees can be planted after construction.
TEDC has committed $1.5 million for larger replacement trees and $1 million toward utility relocations. The city has requested another $3 million for utility work.
Violette said TEDC is also developing the framework for a business stabilization program that could include additional wayfinding, marketing assistance and directional signs to help downtown businesses remain visible during construction.
Also of note
Legacy Square may be part of downtown’s future, but Violette said the project is not as far along as residents may think.
“It’s really still kind of in the early planning phases,” Violette said.
She said residents have raised questions about parking, traffic, costs, preserving the site’s history and who will operate it long term. Those concerns are shaping decisions on the project’s size, phasing and funding.
At South Live Oak, TEDC expanded its original 7.8-acre property by purchasing another 42 acres, creating a roughly 50-acre site. A boutique hotel, family-focused entertainment, mixed-use development and a possible small business park have been discussed, but no plan has been approved yet.
The city is also pursuing grants for alley extensions and North Cherry drainage, while council must weigh Cherry Street Pocket Park’s scope and timing.
Some upcoming decisions and actions to be taken include:
- Evaluating the size and scope of the redevelopment
- The phasing and funding of the projects
- Creating a planned development district
- Selecting and operating partner
- Completing design
- Starting construction
The takeaway
TEDC is seeking demolition estimates for buildings it may remove, so “the community may start to see some activity,” Violette said.
However, Violette cautioned that demolition would not mark the start of redevelopment.
Of the buildings being considered, the main sanctuary and 1949 chapel will remain, while other buildings are still being evaluated.
Mageo and Huffman said the next round of downtown changes, including the Cherry Street Pocket Park, will still require public review, funding decisions and council action before years end.
“Community input continues to play an important role in shaping the future of Downtown Tomball,” Mageo said.
