Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | October 2025

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Lake Houston Humble

Kingwood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6 OCT. 29 NOV. 25, 2025

Biotech boom $6.5B manufacturing facility at Generation Park to expand life sciences in Houston Eli Lilly and Company’s $6.5 billion, 4,300-square-foot pharmaceutical company will bring more than 600 life sciences jobs to Generation Park. The project is part of McCord Development’s plan to make Generation Park a life sciences hub for the Greater Houston area. (Rendering courtesy Eli Lilly and Company)

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Eli Lilly and Company site

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INSIDE

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 6 Learn more about Kelsey-Seybold’s newest Lake Houston-area campus

Government Page 10 See the latest update on Edgewater Park and other Harris County projects

Business

Page 19

Check out Kingwood’s ax-throwing venue, Axe-Mania

Comprehensive Care IN KINGWOOD

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242

HOUSTON METHODIST COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER IN KINGS HARBOR

1960

4501 Magnolia Cove Dr., Building 6 Kingwood, TX 77345

Visit houstonmethodist.org/ccc/kings-harbor or call 936.270.4901 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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Impacts

99 TOLL

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3 Acai Brasil The eatery oers Brazilian nger foods in addition to juices, smoothies and acai bowls. • Opened Sept. 15 • 4920 Atascocita Road, Ste. 800, Atascocita • www.acaibrasilusa.com 4 The Frozen Panda Snowballs & Pops The business oers New Orleans-style snowballs available in more than 50 avors as well as ice cream, Italian ice and milkshakes. Food items, such as boudin links, boudin nachos and Frito pie, are also available. • Opened Aug. 23

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FORDRD.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

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N O R T H P A R

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

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TOWNSEN BLVD.

• 7934 FM 1960 E., Humble • www.thefrozenpanda.com

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5 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Lake Houston Campus

FIRSTST.

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The new ve-story campus spans 135,000 square feet with space for up to 51 health care providers oering comprehensive adult care with a range of specialties. Laboratory and X-ray services are available onsite. In the future, additional specialties will be added as well as an ambulatory surgery center, cancer services and a CT, MRI and cardiovascular lab. Specic timelines for these projects had not been announced as of press time. • Opened in September 6 Kiddie Academy of Humble The new early education and child care center spans 10,900 square feet and has 12 classrooms with the capacity to serve 200 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. The Humble center features a soccer eld, a splash pad, a state-of-the-art playground with sensory equipment, webcams and Zono Disinfection cabinets. • Opened Oct. 6 • 9829 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble • www.kiddieacademy.com/academies/humble • 8503 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble • www.kelsey-seybold.com/ind-a-location/ lake-houston-campus 7 iStore Express Located inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal E, the store oers a variety of cellphone accessories including cases, charging cables, audio cables, headphones and ear buds.

TIMBER FOREST DR.

Humble

N. TERMINAL RD.

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Atascocita

MADERA RUN PKWY.

GREENS RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 QDOBA Mexican Eats Owned by franchisee Chad Owaida, the eatery oers signature and customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads. Premium toppings—such as queso and guacamole—can be added at no additional charge. Owaida plans to open 14 more Greater Houston- area locations over the next four years. • Opened Oct. 20 • 7405 FM 1960 Road E., Ste. 210, Humble • www.qdoba.com

Now open

1 The Practice Lab The golf facility includes four practice bays with launch monitors or simulators used to hone golf skills. Golf balls are available to use at the facility, which is designed for golfers of all ages. • Opened Sept. 29 • 1419 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.the-practice-lab.com

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• Opened Sept. 19 • 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston • www.istore.co

• Greens Road and Woodland Hills Drive, Humble (exact address TBD) • www.culvers.com 12 Quick Quack Car Wash The business oers car washes with technology, such as a three-step paint sealant process and ceramic duck coating. Construction on the roughly $1.4 million project is projected to be completed by October 2026. • 12651 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston • www.dontdrivedirty.com

In the news

8 Relay Houston Located inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal E, the new convenience store oers a variety of products for travelers including snacks, drinks and souvenirs. • Opened Sept. 19 • 2800 N. Terminal Road, Houston • www.fly2houston.com

In the news

Coming soon

13 The Luke Church This church marked the 125th anniversary since its founding on Sept. 12. The church’s anniversary was honored during Humble City Council’s Sept. 11 meeting. Led by Senior Pastor Timothy Sloan, the church currently has more than 8,000 members and was originally founded in 1900 as the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend R.F. Skinner serving as the rst pastor. • 2380 S. Houston Ave., Humble • www.theluke.org 14 Los Hermanos Taquerias In October, the taqueria marked ve years since opening in Humble. The eatery serves breakfast and lunch tacos made with fresh ingredients daily, including from- scratch our and corn tortillas. The menu also features 15 Groves Elementary School Humble ISD o£cials celebrated the opening of a new “Enchanted Forest”-themed playground at this campus with a dedication ceremony Oct. 9. The new playground is part of the district’s campus playground revitalization initiative, which was included in the $775 million bond approved by voters in 2022. O£cials noted HISD playgrounds are open to the public when school is not in session. • 11902 Madera Run Parkway, Atascocita • www.humbleisd.net/o/ge authentic Mexican dishes, such as menudo. • 5006 Atascocita Road, Ste. A, Humble • www.facebook.com/lhtacos

9 The Taco Shop Owner Letty Martinez said the eatery will oer authentic Mexican breakfast options and will be located two doors away from her other restaurant, Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina. Martinez also owns Yummy Tummy—a bakery oering ready-to-go cakes, pastries, cupcakes, cookies and custom orders—with locations in Humble and New Caney. • Opening in November • 1007 First St. E., Humble • No phone number or website as of press time 10 Sake Bon The restaurant will oer all-you-can-eat Japanese cuisine including soups, sushi, noodles, rice and hibachi. Appetizers oered range from edamame to spring rolls and fried calamari. • Opening in late October (after press time) • 4367 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.sakebontx.com

16 On the Park Toy and Candy Store O£cials hosted a grand reopening for the 25-year-old shop on Oct. 11. Recently purchased by Kingwood residents Eric and Candice Calderon, the store is introducing fresh branding and a new logo, birthday party packages, mommy-and-me story times, Lego play dates and a helium balloon bar. The store updates aim to oer a family friendly environment with events and activities, per a Sept. 29 news release. • 1271 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.ontheparkkw.com 17 Lone Star College-Kingwood Lone Star College System’s Law Enforcement Academy, which is devoted to training future Texas peace o£cers, will be relocating from LSC-East Aldine Center to LSC-Kingwood in January. In 2026, the Law Enforcement Academy will oer a spring and fall Basic Peace O£cer course. • 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.lonestar.edu/kingwood 18 Chimichurri’s South American Grill O£cials announced the South American restaurant is extending its hours of operation to include Mondays, via an Oct. 2 news release. • 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 104, Kingwood • www.chimichurrisgrill.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

11 Culver’s Construction on a new eatery in Humble is set to begin in February and wrap up in July. The menu features sandwiches, chicken entrees, cheese curds and its signature butter burgers. The restaurant also oers frozen custard—including a specialized avor of the day—with a variety of mix-in and topping options.

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

By a 3-2 vote, Harris County commissioners adopted the $2.76 billion scal year 2025-26 general fund budget Sept. 24, prioritizing pay parity and public safety initiatives. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo cast the dissenting votes. In the months leading up to budget adoption, county ocials weighed how to oset at least $102 million in savings. The county implemented a yearlong hiring freeze for various department leaders to identify service cuts. Harris County adopts budget

From the $2.76 billion general fund budget, $2.57 billion will be allocated to the 70 Harris County departments, aiming to:

Some context

Law enforcement pay parity has reached various points at Commissioners Court, starting with a motion commissioners approved May 22 that paved the way for increasing county law enforce- ment pay. By Sept. 9, commissioners approved a motion, with a 3-1 vote, to increase elected constables’ salaries to $260,000.

Support pay parity initiatives for law enforcement and county employees

Expand the District Attorney’s Oce

Grow the Harris County Flood Control District maintenance program

Commissioners are expected to approve the county’s property tax rate of $0.6241 per $100 of valuation by the end of October, after press time. Harris County: $0.3809 per $100 of valuation Harris County Port of Houston Authority:

“The time had come to show our sheri’s deputies and constable deputies that Harris County truly values the critical role they play in community safety.” ED GONZALEZ, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF

$0.0059 per $100 of valuation Harris County Hospital District: $0.1876 per $100 of valuation Harris County Flood Control District: $0.0496 per $100 of valuation

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Adopted $2.76B FY 202526 budget Factors impacting county department cuts in the budget process, according to the FY 2025-26 budget document, included jail and indigent defense costs, health care costs and law enforcement contracts.

County administration, other county oces

$1.66B

More details

Public safety & justice (district courts, district attorney's oce, constables, sheri) $410M Engineering Department (i.e. infrastructure, transportation projects) $194M Harris County Public Library, Economic Equity & Opportunity $193M Housing and Community Development, Veterans Services $107M Countywide £nancial obligations (TIRZ payments, jail outsourcing) $99M Harris County Judge's Oce, Commissioners (Precincts 1-4) $48M Pollution Control Services Department $36M Public Health Services, Harris Center for Mental Health, Children's Assessment Center $23M

The county’s employee minimum wage policy, $20 per hour for employees and $21.64 for contractors, took eect with the budget adoption. Service cuts will not aect community- facing services, such as parks, road maintenance and community centers. “This budget re ects hard choices and shared commitment,” interim County Administrator Jesse Dickerman said.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Government

BY EMILY LINCKE

Harris County has several projects underway in the Lake Houston area including a new park, a new community center and library renovations. Here’s the latest update on three county projects. This list is not comprehensive.

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KINGWOOD DR.

CYPRESSWOOD DR.

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Upcoming projects

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1 Edgewater Park Project: This brand new park, included in Harris County Precinct 3’s 2023 master parks plan, will include a boardwalk for shing, boat and kayak launches, nature trails, dog parks, horse trailer parking and a playground. Update: The rst phase of work for the park will go out to bid in the fourth quarter of 2025, said Jeannie Peng, communications manager for Harris County Precinct 3, via email Sept. 4. • Timeline: irst quarter 2026-third quarter 2026 • Cost: $8 million • Funding sources: Harris County 2022 park bond, Harris County Precinct 3, Texas Parks & Wildlife

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LAKE HOUSTON

494

CROSBY HUFFMAN RD.

HAMBLEN RD.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

3 Atascocita Branch Library renovation Project: Two phases of projects at the Harris County Public Library location in Atascocita have been funded. Work for Phase I includes a new assembly space with restrooms and storage, a detention pond and additional parking. Phase II includes heating and cooling system changes. Update: Work on Phase I of the project is ongoing and expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year. Construction on Phase II will kick o after Phase I is complete. • Timeline: November 2019-second quarter of 2026 • Cost: $1.36 million • Funding source: Harris County Commissioners Court

be connected to the park’s trail network and provide the community with spaces for events. The center may also house a generator so it can be used as a cooling/ warming center during extreme weather. Update: The community center will be named after Judge Ted Poe, a former U.S. Congressman who served Atascocita and Humble from 2005-19. The center, which is currently being renovated from an existing building, is expected to be completed by late December, Commissioner Tom Ramsey said during a Sept. 4 Partnership Lake Houston event. • Timeline: February-December 2025 • Cost: $2.9 million • Funding source: Harris County Commissioners Court

Ongoing projects

2 Judge Ted Poe Community Center Project: Harris County Precinct 3’s ninth community center is being planned for Atascocita Park, according to an Oct. 22 news release. The community center will

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BY EMILY LINCKE

Humble lowers tax rate amid rising home values On Sept. 25, Humble City Council unanimously accepted a 1.3% year-over-year drop for the city’s scal year 2025-26 total property tax rate. The cost Humble’s total property tax rate for FY 2025- 26 is $0.258171 per $100 valuation—the same

City infrastructure projects move forward Builders for two infrastructure projects— totaling $10.8 million—were approved by Humble City Council on Sept. 25. At a glance City Council approved V&S Construction to build the city’s Northshire Lift Station Upgrade and Wastewater System Improvements Project. The company bid about $10.5 million for the project, according to Sept. 25 meeting documents, and the project was originally estimated to cost $11 million to construct, City Manager Jason Stuebe said. On Sept. 25, City Council also selected Larry Young Paving Inc. for $314,960 to upgrade trac lights at three Humble-area intersections. The estimated construction cost of the trac light upgrades is also less than what was budgeted, Stuebe said.

rate proposed under the city’s budget in mid- September—City Manager Jason Stuebe conrmed via email Sept. 30. Humble’s FY 2025-26 total tax rate is less than the FY 2024-25 rate, which was $0.261476 per $100 valuation. However, with Humble home values increasing 2% year over year, residents may still see a slight increase on their tax bill, according to Humble City Council meeting documents. The median home value in Humble for FY 2025-26 is $129,187, so local property taxes will cost $330.71 annually for homes of that value in FY 2025-26—a 0.85% increase year over year.

Humble home values

Humble tax bills

Average home value

Annual tax on average home

$0 $100 $200 $400 $300

$100K $150K

$333.52

$330.71

$129,187

$126,478

$0 $50K

2024-25

2025-26

2024-25

2025-26

Fiscal year

SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

Education

BY WESLEY GARDNER

College opens Center for Biotechnology in Generation Park

Ocials with San Jacinto College opened the campus’s Center for Biotechnology at McCord Development’s Generation Park on Sept. 26, according to a Sept. 30 news release. The details The 18,500-square-foot building oers industry- grade training for biotech technicians and is part of McCord’s eorts to brand Generation Park as a premier life sciences hub in Houston, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . San Jacinto College Chancellor Brenda Hellyer said the Center for Biotechnology provides hands-on training with industry-grade equipment. Hellyer said the campus includes a pilot-scale bioprocessing plant where students will gain real-world experience using the same tools found in commercial facilities. “The Center for Biotechnology represents our commitment to preparing students with the skills, training, and opportunities they need to step

directly into high-demand, high-wage careers,” Hellyer said in a statement. The impact Owen Rock, executive vice president of eco- nomic development for Partnership Lake Houston, said the new campus will provide more opportuni- ties for local students. “The more education we can bring into the community, the better for everybody,” Rock said. “We have a workforce now readily available, and the kids have more opportunities.” What’s next According to the release, the center will oer stackable certicates and an associate of applied science degree in biomanufacturing technology. Ocials noted the college has oered those courses at other campuses since 2024, but those students will relocate to the Center for Biotechnol- ogy now that it’s open.

The San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology opened Sept. 26 in Generation Park.

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BY WESLEY GARDNER

Humble ISD trustees discuss new library advisory council

During a Sept. 30 special-called meeting, Humble ISD trustees gave administrative ocials a green light to create an application to serve on the district’s newly formed school library advisory council. Some context The new council is being established as part of Senate Bill 13, which was passed in the 89th Texas Legislature earlier this year. The bill expands parental rights to review and question instruc- tional and library materials used in the district. During the Sept. 30 meeting, HISD General Counsel Jeremy Binkley said the council would be in charge of recommending new library material, but he noted trustees would still be required to approve all recommendations. The library council will also be charged with hearing all challenges to library material currently on shelves. Binkley said the council will be made up of 14 non-employee community members. He said

a majority of library council members will be required to be parents in the district. Additionally, Binkley said trustees could revise the number and makeup of the committee in the future. The discussion Trustee Oscar Silva said he believed a uniform application process for selecting members would be necessary, noting numerous community mem- bers have already expressed interest in serving on the council. While Binkley said it was ultimately up to the board to appoint members to the council, he said administrative ocials could create an application to help narrow down potential appointees. Binkley said there was some urgency in getting the council in place, as library material purchases are on hold pending the council’s formation. “Our libraries have books,” Binkley said. “We want to get more books, but they’re not barren.”

Breaking down Senate Bill 13

Humble ISD is creating a library advisory council using guidelines outlined in Senate Bill 13. Allows districts to form local school library advisory councils if at least 50 parents or 10% of the parents in the district, whichever is less, sign a petition requesting a council. The councils must have at least ve members, most of whom are parents. Members can make recommendations to add or remove books from a school’s library. Allows any resident to submit complaints about books in a district’s library.

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINECOMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next Individuals interested in being on the council can nd the application by visiting www.humbleisd.net/page/board and selecting “SLAC Interest Form.”

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Transportation

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & HANNAH BROL

BY HANNAH BROL

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

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LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

Beauty for Ashes Fundraiser Luncheon Enjoy a gourmet meal, silent auction and presentation from keynote speaker Susanna Kokkonen. Proceeds will benet the Holocaust Remembrance Association.

Upcoming projects

Ongoing projects

November

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

KINGWOOD DR.

1 Kingwood Diversion Ditch bridge replacements

3 Chestnut Ridge roadside ditch improvements

XXXXXXXX path and petting zoo. • Nov. 8, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.thelivableforest.com XXXXXXXX Kingwood Harvest Market This fall market will feature a trackless train, pumpkin ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Lone Star College-Kingwood’s Drama Department will present this sci- musical at the campus’s Main Stage Theatre. • Nov. 5-8, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2 p.m. • $7 (students), $14 (seniors), $17 (general admission) • 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.lonestar.edu ForestFest Celebrate Texas Arbor Day at this inaugural event hosted at the Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center. • Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 20634 Kenswick Drive, Humble • www.pct3.com

KINGWOOD DIVERSION DITCH

FORD RD.

• Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $75 (individual tickets)

Project: The bridges over the Kingwood Diversion Ditch at Walnut Lane and Kingwood Drive will be replaced. Update: Houston Public Works ocials said this project is in the preliminary design phase during a Sept. 30 town hall in Kingwood held by Houston District E Council Member Fred Flickinger. • Funding sources: federal funding secured by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Kingwood, Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund 2 Pedestrian bridge replacement • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $6 million Project: The pedestrian bridge over the Harris County Flood Control District channel near 4303 Kingwood Drive and 4360 Kingwood Drive will be replaced. Update: During the Sept. 30 town hall, Houston Public Works ocials said this project is in the design phase, which is expected to wrap up in the spring of 2026. • Timeline: starting construction in summer 2026 • Cost: $66 million • Funding source: Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD. Update: This project is currently underway, Houston Public Works ocials said during the Sept. 30 town hall. • Timeline: summer 2024-winter 2025 • Cost: $1.35 million • Funding source: Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund 4 Sand Creek Village drainage improvements F I RST ST. Project: Drainage improvements will be made along portions of several roadways in the Sand Creek Village neighborhood, including Crystal Falls Drive, Woodland Ridge Drive, Eagle Creek Drive, Deer Hollow Drive and Highland Laurels Drive. 1960 Project: Drainage improvements will be made along Chestnut Ridge Road between St. Andrews Road and where it ends north of Hamblen Road. Update: This project is currently underway, Houston Public Works ocials said during the Sept. 30 town hall. • Timeline: spring 2025-fall 2025 • Cost: $1.52 million • Funding source: Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Fund

CHESTNUT RIDGE RD.

• Walden on Lake Houston Country Club, 18100 Walden Forest Drive, Atascocita • www.holocaustremembranceassociation.org

CHESTNUT RIDGE RD.

WALNUTLN.

ST. ANDREWS RD.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

Chili Cooko & Corn Hole Tournament Spend a day cooking chili and playing corn hole to support Hopeful Hearts Ministry, a nonprot focused on giving a voice to survivors of abuse. • Nov. 15, 2-11 p.m. • $20-$50 • Nico’s Bar & Grill, 22610 Loop 494, Kingwood • https://hopefulheartsministry.org Addi’s Faith Turkey Day 5K This Thanksgiving morning event will include a 5K for all ages and a 1K option for ages 3-12. Proceeds will benet Addi’s Faith Foundation and their mission to fund pediatric cancer research. • Nov. 27, 8-11 a.m. • $25-$50 • Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.addisfaith.org

FOREST GARDEN DR. HIGHLAND LAURELS DR.

Kingwood

LAKE HOUSTON

TOWNSEN BLVD.

Sola Gratia Ecumenical Women’s Choir Fall Concert The choir will perform Vivaldi’s “Gloria” with orchestra, as well as contemporary songs of hope in support of J’s House, a group home for boys in foster care. • Nov. 15, 4:30 p.m. • $25 (adults), $10 (students) • Strawbridge United Methodist Church, 5629 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.solagratiamusic.org

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

EAGLE CREEK DR.

HIGHLAND LAURELS DR.

LAKE HOUSTON

1960

TIMBER FOREST DR. 4

CRYSTAL FALLS DR. WOODLAND RIDGE DR.

DEER HOLLOW DR.

ASPEN MOUNTAIN TRL.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

GREENS RD.

MADERA RUN PKWY.

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

ALDINE BENDER RD.

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

Biotech boom From the cover

What you need to know

The overview

Lilly, which produces medicines such as Moun- jaro, Zepbound and Ebglyss, will focus the new facility on manufacturing small molecule medi- cines. According to the news release, the products manufactured will be used in elds including cardiometabolic health, oncology, immunology and neuroscience. The site at Generation Park will manufacture Orforglipron, an investigational, once-daily oral GLP-1 medication being studied for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year, per the release. “It will help for tens of millions of people around the world with chronic conditions caused by obesity,” Ricks said. The 236-acre site will include machine learning, articial intelligence and digitally integrated systems. Site head for Lilly Houston, Diane Ten- nenhouse, said the site is not a direct replication of any of the company’s other facilities. “This is built for the future,” Tennenhouse said at the conference. “We’re actively seeking folks with a safety-rst mindset, dedicated to quality.”

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company—or Lilly—announced its plans to build a $6.5 billion manufacturing facility at Generation Park at a news conference Sept. 23. Lilly ocials said the site will bring 615 jobs to the area, including positions for engineers, scientists and lab technicians. Generation Park, a 4,300-acre master- planned community in northeast Houston, was selected through an application process based on criteria including workforce potential, local incentives, access to utilities and transportation, and a favorable business environment. Lilly ocials also said they expect to create 4,000 construction jobs in the area as the site build takes o. “I think our site will change the face of the northeast side of Houston ... but [Lilly] will also change lives of families of people who come work for us. These are high-quality jobs, high-paying jobs,” David Ricks, Eli Lilly and Company chair and CEO, said at the conference. For every dollar Lilly spends in the area, the company estimates up to an additional $4 in local economic stimulation, Lilly ocials said in a Sept. 23 news release. The release also states that for every job created in manufacturing, several more will be created in related sectors such as supply chain, logistics and retail. “Texas is stepping up to ensure that we do our part and expand biomedical manufacturing right here in our great state,” Gov. Greg Abbott said at the conference.

Generation Park life sciences

LAKE HOUSTON

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

Generation Park

LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

LOCKWOOD DR.

1 BioHub Two Project: A 60-acre master-planned

biomanufacturing campus with room for over 1 million square feet of for-sale and built-to-suit biomanufacturing, lab and oce space 2 Eli Lilly and Company Project: A pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that will focus on manufacturing small molecule medicines for areas including cardiometabolic health, oncology, immunology and neuroscience 3 San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology Project: A hands-on training facility containing a pilot-scale bioprocessing plant where students will gain real-world experience using the same tools found in commercial facilities 4 United Therapeutics Project: A biotechnology facility that focuses on the research, development and commercialization of treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases

Eli Lilly and Company projected economic impact

$5.9 billion estimated capital investment $233.2 million generated annually by 2031 $10.36 billion generated for the full 41- year period

SOURCES: IMPACT DATASOURCE LLC, TEXAS COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: MCCORD DEVELOPMENT, UNITED THERAPEUTICS, ELI LILLY AND COMPANY, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE¡COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some context

Top emerging U.S. cities for life sciences Number of life sciences employees (March 2025)

Lilly’s new facility is coming as McCord Develop- ment ocials continue their push to brand Genera- tion Park as a premier life sciences hub in Houston, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . In 2023, McCord unveiled its plans for its 60-acre master-planned biomanufacturing campus, dubbed BioHub Two. According to a March 2025 Cushman & Wakeeld life sciences report, the Houston market currently ranks No. 14 nationwide for total employment in life sciences.

Additionally, the report projects the Houston area’s life sciences employment rate to grow by 76.5% over the next 10 years. Owen Rock, executive vice president of economic development for Partnership Lake Houston, an area chamber of commerce and economic development rm, said he believes Lilly’s new facility will jump- start Generation Park’s vision as a life sciences hub in the Houston metro. “It brings major investment from a global player, hundreds of high-wage jobs and attracts more biotech companies,” Rock said.

Houston 27,500 Austin 21,000 Indianapolis 17,500 Dallas/Fort Worth 13,400

Salt Lake City 11,800

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARNER & JULIANNA WASHBURN

Zooming out

What they’re saying

What's next

Rock said the timing of the announcement for Lilly’s new facility fell in line with the Sept. 26 opening of the San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology. Along with Lone Star College, Rock said he believes the schools will help provide a talent pipeline of potential biotech employees. “Students will gain access to training and opportunities that prepare them for these roles right here at home,” Rock said.

In February, Lilly announced its plans to build four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites around the country. Along with its Houston location, the company recently announced it would build a site in Virginia and said it has plans to announce two other locations this year. According to a tax incentive application posted on the Texas Comptroller’s website, among the more than 600 full-time employees the project is expected to employ will be positions such as: • Operations technicians • Engineers • Scientists • Administrators Lilly’s new manufacturing facility is expected to break ground this year and be up and running within ve years, according to Lilly representatives.

“$6.5 billion is what we’ll spend [for] over $25 billion of economic impact … here in Texas.” DAVID RICKS, ELI LILLY AND COMPANY CHAIR AND CEO

“We will be ready, and I’m sure that Lilly really would require or appreciate that workers are already ready for the industry.” SIHAM BENMANSOUR, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CENTER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY STUDENT

U.S. biotech workforce outlook

94% of life sciences CEOs say they will increase headcount over the next three years. 37% of life sciences CEOs think they will grow their workforce by 6% or more. 10,700 employees were added by biotech research and development companies from January 2024 to October 2024.

SOURCE: GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP COMMUNITY IMPACT

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

FOR CONGRESS STEPHEN HUEY Stephen Huey is

As a person of faith, he believes public servants should be accountable and transparent and he is refusing money from sources that would compromise his values, instead relying on grassroots supporters like you.

running to represent you in Congress and will work on sensible policies that help hardworking American families. He and his wife Stephanie both went to Rice University and are raising their kids in the 18th district of Texas. Stephen has spent 20+ years building innovative technology solutions in several industries and is currently a small business owner. He’s not a career politician and believes the establishment has not been serving us well, so vote for Stephen if you want a new approach and someone who will work with anyone to lower the cost of living and increase the number of well-paying jobs.

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Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Co-owners Christi and Todd Byers enjoy coaching and teaching guests the thrill of ax throwing in Kingwood.

COURTESY AXEMANIA

NORTHPARK PLAZA DR.

The ax-throwing venue features rustic decor, including an original sign from the Forest Cove Volunteer Fire Department.

494

JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Axe-Mania blends the Old West with modern entertainment After 27 years working a corporate job that no longer brought Todd Byers joy, the longtime King- wood resident traded in his corporate career for a business that he said makes him smile every day. A family aair Todd Byers, along with his wife, Christi Byers, and children Taylor Byers and JT Byers, opened Axe-Mania—an ax-throwing venue—in Kingwood in January. The entertainment center has a rustic air with a bear as a mascot, and deer mounts and axes throughout that Todd Byers said were each handpicked with purpose.

“The art and everything on the walls have a story. Really, very little here doesn’t,” Todd Byers said. How it works Todd Byers said Axe-Mania o ers something for everyone. At Axe-Mania, guests can throw axes using more than traditional targets. Using electronic auto registration targets with 18 games to select from, guests can throw axes while playing Tic-tac-toe, Connect Four, Candy Crush and more. Prior to starting a game, guests spend ve to seven minutes going through safety regulations and learning ecient methods to throw an ax. Though Todd Byers said he had little experience throwing axes before opening Axe-Mania, he was coached by Miguel Tamburini, a world-class ax-thrower. “We make sure that [guests] can stick an ax before we ever even go into starting their time,” Todd Byers said.

23840 Hwy. 59 N., Kingwood www.axe-mania.com

Check it out In addition to its ax throwing services, the venue holds team building corporate events, birthday parties and other special occasions. With nine lanes available, Todd Byers said each lane can be occupied by up to four people at a time for a total guest limit of 45 people. The venue also features a comfortable lounge where guests can enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks in addition to several free arcade games. As Kingwood natives, the Byers are involved with Partnership Lake Houston, the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber and the Kingwood Park High School baseball and softball teams.

We’re back & better than ever! Now under new local ownership. Same family, same heart.

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1831 Northpark Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339 281-359-3790

5123 Atascocita Rd. Humble, TX 77346 281-441-4300

LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

History

BY EMILY LINCKE

The city’s namesake, Pleasant Smith Humble, opened a post oce in his home for the community in 1886.

Did you know?

The city’s name is pronounced with a silent “H” because that’s how namesake Pleasant Smith Humble pronounced his name. Humble schools’ rst graduating class was made up of only two students—twin sisters Edith and Ethel Innman.

On Sept. 25, the Humble City Council passed its 1,000th city ordinance.

In 1904, oil was ocially found in Humble for the rst time. Pictured is Humble’s Main Street in 1904.

SOURCES: HUMBLE MUSEUM, CITY OF HUMBLE COMMUNITY IMPACT

PHOTOS COURTESY HUMBLE MUSEUM

Humble creates holiday honoring city’s namesake, founder Sept. 14 has been dubbed “Founder’s Day” in Humble to honor the city’s namesake after Humble City Council unanimously approved the holiday Sept. 11. “We embrace our history,” Mayor Norman Fun- derburk said. “We’re fortunate that we have such a rich history.”

Mill—located in what is now northwest Humble— faced challenges and that post oce closed down, according to an article by Meaux posted on the Humble Museum’s website. A little known fact about Pleasant Smith Humble is that he was also a politician and was elected as a Harris County commissioner in 1876, Meaux said. During his lifetime, Pleasant Smith Humble also served as a store clerk, an attorney and in the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War. Looking ahead Funderburk said while city ocials didn’t have time to host a celebration this year, they will organize Founder’s Day events next year.

The history Pleasant Smith Humble, a justice of the peace and ferry operator for whom the city is named, opened a post oce in his home for the community in 1886, according to the city’s website. He was named U.S. postmaster on Sept. 14, 1886, Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Davidson said Sept. 11. When Pleasant Smith Humble opened his post oce, he listed the town as “Humble, Texas,” and the name stuck when the federal government approved the post oce, Humble Museum Execu- tive Director Robert Meaux said via email Sept. 26. He took on the responsibility of handling local mail because the community of Lord’s

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Real estate

Residential market data Data shows homes stayed on the market for longer in September 2025 than in September 2024 across all six of the ZIP codes that make up Community Impact ’s Lake Houston-Humble- Kingwood coverage area. Additionally, nearly 63% of all homes sold in September were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range.

Number of homes sold

September 2024

September 2025

-2.04%

-35.42%

-2.86%

-17.65%

+9.09%

+2.94%

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

Median home sales price

77339

77345

99 TOLL

77338

September

2024

2025

77346

$320,223 $237,500 $308,000 $436,550 $334,900 $283,500

$345,000 $220,000 $273,000 $418,750 $320,200 $299,000

77044

LAKE HOUSTON

77396

77338

77044

77339

77345

77346

Homes sold by price point September 2025 $800,000+

77396

$600,000-$799,999

Average days on market +37.66% +24.07%

$400,000-$599,999

+44.44%

+34.88%

+10.39%

+44.64%

163

$200,000-$399,999

<$199,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 8326784770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77044

77338

77339

77345

77346

77396

NOTE: DATA INCLUDES SINGLEFAMILY HOMES, TOWNHOMES AND CONDOS.

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