Location: 9500 Lakeside Blvd (Research Forest Lakeside 3), six stories and 360,000 sq ft.

Acquisition & Renovation: Purchased in August 2023; undergoing a $60 million renovation including build-out of 324,000 sq ft across five and a partial sixth floor, along with a new parking garage

Contractor: Kirksey Architecture is leading the interior rework.

Timeline: Construction began in fall 2023, aiming for completion by the end of 2024; employee move planned in early 2025 .

🔍 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

Why move? The shift supports CPChem’s growth and aligns with the need for a larger, modern campus to accommodate their expanding workforce.

Market trend: This move continues a pattern of corporate relocations to The Woodlands, which has emerged as a vibrant job hub offering favorable office conditions.

✅ 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

Former HQ 10001 Six Pines Drive, sold Q2 2025 to Beland Properties
New HQ building 9500 Lakeside Blvd, 360,000 sq ft
Renovation $60M across five floors + partial, plus new parking garage
Move-in timeline Construction complete by December 2024; occupancy in early 2025

💭 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

This transition highlights CPChem’s confidence in The Woodlands as a strong corporate center. They’re trading in their nearly 25-year-old office for a modern, spacious, and strategically located campus—keeping pace with regional growth and evolving workspace needs.

🔗 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀

Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/PPwOIpy
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/KNyPB9c
BizNow: https://buff.ly/kObjvqa

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

Conroe, TX – The community gathered in solemn unity as 21-year-old Claire Reese Manchaca, who tragically lost her life during the recent Hill Country flooding, returned home to Conroe.

On her journey back, Montgomery County first responders, along with friends, family, and complete strangers, lined the roads and overpasses to pay their respects. Emergency vehicles stood in silent tribute, lights flashing, as the escort passed beneath the hot Texas sky. Flags waved gently, hands were placed over hearts, and prayers were offered as the young woman made her final journey home.

Claire’s return was a moment that showed the strength and compassion of the Conroe and Montgomery County community. In the face of devastating loss, neighbors and strangers alike came together, honoring Claire’s life and standing with her family during this unimaginable time.

A promising young life, gone too soon, but not forgotten.

𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲: @KHOUShernMinChow 🔗 https://buff.ly/zIfexl4

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

The Grand Oaks Shopping Center is a smart, community-focused retail hub poised to bring essential services and retail variety to support the growing Woodson’s Reserve area. With high visibility, strong local demographics, and strategic placement by schools and busy roads, it's shaping up to be a valuable addition for both residents and businesses.

🧭 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲
● Positioned right off Grand Parkway, adjacent to Grand Oaks High School and the heart of the Woodson’s Reserve community.
● It’s designed as a multi-tenant retail development encompassing roughly 195,000 square feet of gross leasable area .

𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 & 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰

● Within a 5-mile radius, there are over 140,000 residents with an average household income of ~$140K–$171K .
● Grand Parkway sees more than 50,000 vehicles daily, with Woodson’s Reserve Parkway adding, 2,700 VPD, excellent visibility and access .

🎯 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 & 𝗙𝗶𝘁

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
● Designed to serve Woodson’s Reserve’s expanding residential base (over 2,100 homes planned) and nearby developments.
● Plentiful nearby amenities include schools, trails, and recreation centers—this adds essential services like dining, retail, and healthcare right where families need them.

𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘅
Though no full tenant roster’s announced yet, similar centers include grocers like H‑E‑B and Kroger, plus fast-casual dining, financial services, fitness, and personal care outlets.

🏗️ 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 & 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀

● The center is currently in the pre‑leasing phase.
● Actual sitework and construction are anticipated to begin within the next year or two, aligned with new home phases pulling families into the area.

📋 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

● Convenient access to essentials, no more long drives outside the area.
● Stronger community feel with shared gathering spots, services, and shopping, anchored by the nearby school .

With affluent households and robust traffic, it’s a strong draw for quality tenants—that means better offerings for residents, and a stable economic boost.

🔗 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
Houston Business Journal: https://buff.ly/9McDsUd

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

At a June 5 workshop, Lone Star College System officials announced they expect $21 million in unallocated funds for FY 2025–26, providing a cushion for uncertainties like the financial impact of undocumented students and staff.

The proposed budget includes $244.5 million in maintenance and operations tax revenue, with the tax rate holding steady at $0.1076 per $100 valuation. Tuition will remain unchanged.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:



● $16.6M increase in tax revenue
● $3.78M for system-wide initiatives
● 13.2M for new priorities, including:
● $1.9M for the Magnolia Center
● $320K for a new bachelor’s degree in education
● $285K for dual credit expansion


𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁:

● Budget adoption: August 7
● Tax rate approval: October 2

Lone Star continues investing in local growth while staying fiscally steady.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/MSkSDzv
Lone Star College: https://buff.ly/wHWqLYe

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

Montgomery County is preparing to unlock $120 million from its $480 million voter-approved road bond package, allowing road construction and improvements to move forward.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀:
🔹 Timeline:

The funds are expected to be available to the county by July 24, 2025.

This is the first installment from the total bond amount that voters approved in May 2025.

🔹 Financial Process:
John Robuck, Managing Director of BOK Financial Securities, and Marcus Dietz, county bond legal counsel from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, presented the financing plan.

Robuck noted that although the financial markets have been volatile in recent months, interest rates are coming down, making this a favorable time to secure funds.

Montgomery County’s strong bond rating is expected to attract many investors.

🔹 Additional Resolution:
The Commissioners Court also approved a resolution to increase the amount of funds commissioners can spend from their own budgets from $8 million to $12.5 million.

This change, recommended by Budget Director Amanda Carter, will give commissioners a financial cushion for project overruns between bond issuances.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁:

Voters in Montgomery County approved the $480 million bond issue on May 3, 2025, to address growing traffic and infrastructure needs.

The funds will go toward a range of road improvements, including expanding roads, repairing existing infrastructure, and enhancing mobility across the county.

The increase in discretionary funds is important because large construction projects often run into unforeseen costs, and this resolution helps keep projects on track even when waiting for additional bond funds.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁?

By July 24, the county should be able to begin deploying funds for priority road projects.

The county will continue monitoring interest rates, inflation, and employment numbers to determine the best times to release future bond funds.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/ofAC2vI
Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/vkf2TCX

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

On May 15, 2025, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 3070 with a 31-0 vote, effectively abolishing the Texas Lottery Commission. The bill transfers oversight of the state lottery to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation TDLR for a two-year trial period, accompanied by a series of reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing fraud.

Texas Scorecard Key Provisions of SB 3070:

Transfer of Oversight: The Texas Lottery Commission's responsibilities, including the operation of the state lottery and charitable bingo, will be assumed by the TDLR.

Ban on Online Sales and Courier Services: The bill prohibits online lottery ticket sales and the use of courier services for purchasing tickets, addressing concerns about illegal sales and potential fraud.

Purchase Limits: Individuals are restricted to purchasing no more than 100 lottery tickets per transaction.

Criminal Penalties: Selling tickets or distributing winnings to individuals involved in lottery sales or their relatives is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Sunset Review: The Sunset Advisory Commission is mandated to review the lottery's operations under TDLR before 2029 to determine whether it should continue.

This legislative action follows a series of controversies and investigations into the Texas Lottery Commission, including allegations of misconduct and concerns over the use of third-party courier services. The restructuring aims to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of the state's lottery operations.

The Firefighters Memorial, originally installed in 1998 and updated in 2017, has been rededicated at its new location within the First Responders Plaza at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park in Conroe. Formerly situated at the Lone Star Convention Center, the memorial was solemnly relocated with a ceremonial procession of fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles, symbolizing the unity among our emergency services.

Now more accessible and visible to the public, the memorial features a statue honoring the brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Montgomery County. The rededication ceremony paid tribute to their courage and underscored the ongoing commitment to those who continue to serve. Speakers reflected on the lasting legacy of these heroes and the importance of community support for our first responders.

This memorial now stands as a solemn space for reflection, gratitude, and inspiration—reminding all visitors of the daily risks faced by firefighters and their profound impact on the safety and well-being of our community.

Source: https://buff.ly/yquRR8Z

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

On April 26, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, attended the Ironman Texas North American Championship in The Woodlands to support his son, William "Finn" Kennedy, who was competing in his first Ironman triathlon. Accompanied by his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, and daughter Kyra Kennedy, the family shared a photo at the starting line on social media, expressing their support for Finn's endeavor. ​

The Ironman Texas event is a grueling endurance race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, totaling over 130 miles. Top finishers compete for a share of a $175,000 prize and the opportunity to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. ​

Kennedy's presence at the event was well-received by local officials and attendees. Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough welcomed Kennedy and his family, expressing appreciation for their attendance. ​

In a heartfelt moment, Kennedy briefly joined the race to run alongside his son, showcasing a strong family bond and support. ​
▶ YouTube: https://buff.ly/P46kVEf

For more on this event, you can watch the following videos:
▶ YouTube: https://buff.ly/nuDIZJy

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/sYjy4Xi
The Courier: https://buff.ly/ImiMWzD

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty

First Safe Haven Baby Box Installed in The Woodlands

In a major step toward protecting the most vulnerable among us, The Woodlands has proudly installed the Houston area’s very first Safe Haven Baby Box. Located in the heart of our community, this box offers a safe, anonymous place for mothers to surrender their newborns under the protection of Texas’ Baby Moses Law.

The Baby Moses Law, enacted in 1999, allows parents to safely relinquish unharmed infants at designated locations without fear of prosecution. Until now, options in the Greater Houston area were limited to hospitals and fire stations. The addition of the Safe Haven Baby Box provides an extra layer of privacy and security, ensuring that desperate mothers have a discreet alternative during a time of crisis.

When a baby is placed inside the secured box, a silent alarm immediately alerts on-site staff to retrieve the child within minutes. The infant is then cared for by medical professionals and placed in the custody of child welfare services to find a loving, permanent home.

Community leaders, first responders, and local residents gathered today to mark this important occasion. Many expressed hope that the presence of the Safe Haven Baby Box will save lives and offer a pathway to safety and hope for vulnerable infants and their mothers.

This installation is a meaningful reminder that The Woodlands continues to lead with compassion, offering real solutions for those facing unimaginable choices.

#SafeHavenBabyBox #BabyMosesLaw #TheWoodlands #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty

Montgomery County commissioners have recently decided to rename the new library and community center under construction in Grogan's Mill as the Kevin Brady Library and Community Center, honoring former Congressman Kevin Brady.

Previously, in November, the facilities were designated as the Heroes of Montgomery County Library and the Heroes of Montgomery County Community Center. However, in January, commissioners rescinded this decision. Newly seated Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler formed a focus group to explore alternative naming options, which led to the unanimous selection of Kevin Brady as the honoree. ​

Kevin Brady, a longtime resident of The Woodlands, served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 8th Congressional District from 1997 until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, he chaired the House Ways and Means Committee and was instrumental in drafting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ​

The $16.5 million revitalization project at Grogan's Mill Village Center includes the construction of the new library, community center, and 32,000 square feet of retail space. Howard Hughes Holdings is collaborating with Montgomery County on this initiative, designing, building, and funding the facilities. Upon completion, Howard Hughes will transfer ownership of the new buildings to the county in exchange for the current library and community center property. ​ The library's design incorporates natural elements, featuring acoustical wood baffles, a sculptural tree bookshelf, and a mural of Lake Woodlands. Amenities will include study pods, a podcasting room, a 3D printing lab, and a tiered classroom. The community center will offer flexible meeting spaces suitable for various events and gatherings. ​

The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025, aiming to provide a modern, accessible space for learning, community activities, and collaboration for residents of Montgomery County. ​

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/3VGxkVZ
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/YblgThV
KSAM 101.7: https://buff.ly/plnEqDg
Woodlands Online: https://buff.ly/l7y16uv

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty