A Transformative Journey
The vision for The Woodlands was born five decades ago when its founder, George Mitchell, envisioned a sustainable community where residents could live, work, learn, pray and play within a natural forest. While work was an integral part of Mitchell’s vision, The Woodlands needed to grow its residential base to support future commercial to ensure a vibrant town center and sustainable community. In turn, commercial growth has helped to maintain a low tax rate for residents while maintaining the quality of amenities that have set The Woodlands apart.
Mitchell’s vision for The Woodlands also included the goal of having 1.5 jobs per household, a milestone that successfully was achieved by Howard Hughes. In fact, the number of individuals commuting to The Woodlands for employment exceeds those commuting outside the community.
“The Woodlands continues to fuel economic growth throughout the region, offering businesses and residents a lifestyle that seamlessly blends with the sustainable natural allure of our community. The Woodlands is revered as one of the most acclaimed master planned communities in the country and will be for generations to come.”
– Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes
Early Days
During the early days, a significant milestone was the opening of the Village of Grogan’s Mill, marking the beginning of residential development here. Simultaneously, the creation of a work environment in The Woodlands commenced with a cluster of four office buildings on Timberloch Place. In 1974, Mitchell opened The Woodlands Corporation (now Howard Hughes) at 2201 Timberloch Place, also known as OB1 (Office Building 1). Following OB1, Mitchell Energy broke ground on its headquarters in OB2 at 2203 Timberloch Place in 1979.
“Living, working or visiting The Woodlands allows you to experience the enduring legacy of George Mitchell within the community,” said Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes. “We are privileged to carry forth the visionary spirit for future generations of residents and businesses to thrive in The Woodlands.”
Businesses began to establish themselves in The Woodlands including the construction of the first bank in 1980, The Woodlands National Bank Building, in Grogan’s Mill. Mitchell desired a research institution, and in 1982, the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) constructed its inaugural building, unveiling plans for a research campus. Mitchell also established the Research Forest, the same year, to accommodate space for high-tech, spin-off companies from the Texas Medical Center. Today, the life science industry continues to thrive and expand within the Research Forest, also recognized as The Woodlands Innovation District.
Mitchell and his development team demonstrated patience when it came to unveiling the 1,000-acre Town Center, extending from I-45 to Lake Woodlands and Woodlands Parkway to Research Forest Drive. Even though its convenient proximity to I-45 made it ideal for swift residential or low-density commercial development, they opted for a more deliberate approach. The goal was to establish sufficient residential rooftops to support first class commercial development, unmatched for a community of its size in the region. The Woodlands would become a job center for its residents, not just a bedroom community to support companies located in Houston. The Woodlands Town Center was announced in 1993.
The Woodlands Town Center Becomes a Reality
The Woodlands Town Center stands out as a premier, regional destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, tourism, medical, cultural arts and high-density residential, beautifully connected to Class A and Class AAA office spaces. This provides a vibrant urban environment conducive to walking, biking and wellness for business employees and residents along The Woodlands Waterway, an award-winning, 1.8-mile linear park and water amenity that was planned since 1972.
Presently, the Howard Hughes commercial portfolio in The Woodlands is 89% leased, consistently outperforming other submarkets in the Houston region. With a population of 123,000, The Woodlands hosts a wide array of companies, providing over 36 million square feet of commercial, retail, medical and institutional space, accommodating over 2,600 businesses and employing nearly 72,000 individuals. Major industries contribute significantly to the tax base, which in turn helps maintain low taxes for residents in The Woodlands.
“In today’s economy, the importance of high-quality office space cannot be overstated. As businesses continue to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, the workspace plays a pivotal role in driving productivity, fostering innovation, attracting talent, and enhancing overall business performance,” said Gil Staley, Chief Executive Officer of The Woodlands Area EDP. “A well-appointed office space with state-of-the-art facilities can create a positive impression on visitors, instilling confidence in the company’s capabilities and commitment to excellence.”
Companies are attracted to the favorable business environment characterized by low taxes, a skilled workforce, short commutes, highly acclaimed schools, world-class amenities, an unprecedented 28% of open space and a high quality of life discovered here.
“The Woodlands continues to fuel economic growth throughout the region, offering businesses and residents a lifestyle that seamlessly blends with the sustainable natural allure of our community,” Carman added. “The Woodlands is revered as one of the most acclaimed master planned communities in the country and will be for generations to come.”
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Many thanks to The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Sponsors:
FOUNDING – Howard Hughes
LEGACY – Woodforest National Bank
HERITAGE – Waste Connections Inc.
GOLD – Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
SILVER – SVN/JBeard Real Estate, The John Cooper School
PRODUCER – The Woodlands Township