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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9 DEC. 19, 2023 JAN. 24, 2024
Conroe's growth spurs multifamily housing boom
Ariza Westview, located o Westview Boulevard in Conroe, is among the more than 10 multifamily projects under construction locally.
SHAHERYAR KHAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
settling down. “There’s a trend of people instead of coming and buying a home,” Harper said. “They come to a new area, nd these nice apartments and secure a year’s lease to explore and get a pulse of where they want to be when they do settle down.”
and Willis areas has increased from around 1,000 in 2021 to approximately 4,000 new units planned or currently being built in 2023. Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, said he believes multifamily properties in Conroe hold appeal due to their convenient proximity to I-45, drawing in individuals keen on surveying the area before
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
Conroe, Montgomery and Willis have seen a rise in multifamily construction since 2021, data shows. November data from MRI ApartmentData, a software company o ering insights on multifamily housing, shows the number of multifamily units under construction in the Conroe, Montgomery
CONTINUED ON 20
Also in this issue
Impacts: Dairy Queen opens in Conroe (Page 6)
Transportation: FM 1488 median project begins (Page 12)
Education: Montgomery names superintendent nalist (Page 17)
Business: Blue Willow Co ee o ers local spot in Willis (Page 25)
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Powering bright young minds Entergy Texas is committed to investing in the future of the communities where we live, serve and work through our support of education. To help students and teachers have a successful school year, we partnered with the United Way of Greater Houston to provide $165,000 worth of school supplies for all six Montgomery County school districts – Conroe ISD, New Caney ISD, Magnolia ISD, Montgomery ISD, Splendora ISD, and Willis ISD. Thank you to the teachers and staff at our local school districts helping create future leaders. Together, we can connect more people to possibility.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White
Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
Impacts
2 Conroe Golf Cars The family-owned business offers services and repairs for Club Cars and E-Z-Go golf cars as well as rentals and on-site transportation services. • Opened Dec. 1 • 810 Pine Market Ave., Montgomery • www.conroegolfcars.com 3 Texas Craft Wings The new concept serves up wings, craft beer, burgers and other twists on American cuisine. The eatery also offers a full bar.
Willis
Montgomery
1097
LONE STAR PKWY.
LAKE CONROE
3
149
75
830
7
2432
336
45
14
• Opened in September • 11525 FM 1097, Willis • www.texascraftwings.com
1484
2854
75
13
105
TIMBER LN.
4 Tropical Smoothie Cafe The business offers made-to-order smoothies, wraps, flatbreads and quesadillas. • Opened Nov. 13 • 215 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 5 Petco The pet store offers pet products, professional dog grooming, a vaccination clinic, an aquatics department and in-store obedience classes. • Opened in October • 223 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore 6 Wildly Wicked Cottagecore Shop The arts and crafts store in Montgomery features unique, handmade gifts, art and home decor as well as essential oils, crystal jewelry and statuary. • Opened Nov. 4 • 308 Pond St., Montgomery • www.wildlywickedcottag.store 7 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen The eatery serves chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, nuggets and traditional bone-in pieces as well as sides. • Opened Nov. 24 • 20232 Eva St., Montgomery • www.popeyes.com
COLLEGE ST.
1
11
Conroe
17
KEENAN CUT OFF RD.
12
16
2854
6
15
336
3083
T R A L P I N E
5
FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE
10 4
9
2
1314
149
PINE MARKET AVE.
WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER
8
SENDERA RANCH DR.
1488
45
242
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
treats, including blizzards, cones, sundaes, ice cream bars, shakes and floats. • Opened Dec. 7 • 1980 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.dqtexas.com
Now open
1 Dairy Queen The Texas-based restaurant serves chicken fingers, burgers, steak fingers, tacos and sides, as well as sweet
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Coming soon
Now open
In the news
8 Lone Star Sports Zone The new two-story indoor training facility will provide skill development for baseball and softball players of all ages with membership classes, team classes, individual lessons, cage rentals, and camps and events. • Opening March 1 • 1304 Sendera Ranch Drive, Magnolia • www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552000317596 9 Ten Zen Japanese Restaurant Upscale sushi restaurant Ten Zen Japanese Restaurant will offer fresh sushi and sashimi, Japanese and American wagyu beef, and steak and seafood dishes, according to a Nov. 20 news release. • Opening in January • Pine Market, Pine Market Avenue, Montgomery • www.woodforesttx.com 10 Pediatrix The health care provider offers care for women, babies and children. • Opening summer 2024 • 336 Marketplace, I-45 and S. Loop 336, Conroe • www.pediatrix.com 11 Oh Toodles Family-owned indoor playground Oh Toodles will offer play space for children ages 0-11 with a toddler section, a three-story playground, and interactive stations and games. • Opening in January • 3830 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.ohtoodles.com 12 Krawfish Kai The restaurant will serve up dishes that include crawfish etouffee, Cajun pasta and fried seafood, alongside a kids menu and a selection of wine, beer and frozen drinks, co-owner Joe Dupree said.
13 Spuds Potato Bar The loaded potato bar offers guests the
16 The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop and Boutique Owners Denise and Jim Czulewicz began rolling out rebranding in November to better align with the shop’s offerings, Jim Czulewicz said. Previously Urban Coffee Culture, The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop and Boutique offers a traditional coffee and tea menu as well as espresso-based drinks and fresh fruit smoothies alongside its boutique offering jewelry, clothing and gift items. • 202 McCown St., Montgomery • 936-310-3104 25th anniversary Dec. 28 with a tamale combo special in January. • 109 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063507315827 17 Woodforest Animal Hospital & Lone Star Equine Sports Medicine The small animal and equine hospitals care for dogs, cats and horses and will celebrate one year in January under new ownership and a new name, Practice Manager Dalton Cox said. • 14920 FM 2854, Montgomery • www.woodforestvet.com; www.lonestarequinesportsmed.com
opportunity to create their own loaded potatoes with a base of a baked potato, baked sweet potato, fries, sweet potato fries or tater tots. Customers can choose from more than 40 toppings. • Opened Nov. 24 • 15260 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 136, Montgomery • www.spudspotatobar.com
Relocations
14 Angels Loft The resale shop offers a variety of clothing, furniture and accessories, store manager Laura Jimenez said. All proceeds go to Angel Reach’s programs. • Relocated Nov. 7 • 2121 Timber Lane, Conroe • www.angelreach.org/angels-loft
In the news
• Opening early to mid-January • 14335 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.krawfishkai.com
15 Carmelita’s Restaurant The eatery offers Mexican cuisine and is celebrating its
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Government
BY VANESSA HOLT & LIZZY SPANGLER
Construction on regional park to begin in 2024 Construction on the infrastructure for Mont- gomery County’s Fish Creek Regional Park is estimated to begin in the rst quarter of 2024, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said Nov. 8. Riley said the infrastructure construction would include work on the roads, driveways and sites for things in the park. In a nutshell The park will span 391 acres and be located o Fish Creek Thoroughfare near the Woodforest community, according to Precinct 2’s website. The park is estimated to cost between $30 million to $75 million using a combination of public and pri- vate funds, Precinct 2 Chief of Sta Bruce Berger said in a Nov. 9 email. Riley said the park will include around four sports elds, a community and nature center, soccer elds, and pickleball and tennis courts.
SJRA names new general manager
FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE
MULLIGAN DR.
R
FISH CREEK REGIONAL PARK
The San Jacinto River Authority named Aubrey Spear as its new general manager Nov. 15. He will assume the role in January. The SJRA monitors water quality in the San Jacinto basin, provides water to munic- ipal utility districts and other entities, and operates the Lake Conroe Dam. Ed Shackelford has been the acting gen- eral manager since June, following former General Manager Jace Houston’s resignation. Career history According to a news release, Spear was previously director of water utilities for the city of Lubbock for 16 years where he led more than 200 employees. He also served on the executive committee of the Upper Brazos Regional Flood Planning Group.
LAKE CREEK
N
According to information presented at an open house Nov. 28, the nature center will contain a multipurpose hall, an exhibit hall, classroom spaces, pop-up shop centers and covered porch areas as well as shower spaces and kitchen areas for events and other uses. “This was a perfect piece of property for us to work with Johnson [Development] to build some- thing that’s not only a park—it’s got almost every other amenity that someone would be looking for,” Riley said. “And it’s needed. There’s no place like this over there.”
Veterans commission breaks ground on Freedom Hall During a Veterans Day event Nov. 11, the Mont- gomery County Veterans Memorial Commission broke ground on Freedom Hall, its education and visitors center. The event was held at Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, located at 1776 Freedom Blvd., Conroe. In a nutshell Freedom Hall is set to be an education and visitor center, museum, event center, meeting hall, and conference center, MCVMC Executive Director Elizabeth Woods said in a Nov. 13 email. The estimated completion date is summer 2024. In 2021, state Rep. Will Metcalf, R Conroe, announced $7 million in state funding will be used for the project, Community Impact reported. Learn more about the MCVMC by visiting www.honoredmission.org.
Around 1,400 people attended the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission’s Veterans Day event.
COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMISSION
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336
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9
CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
Montgomery County approves $14M for FM 149, FM 1486 expansions
What's next
“The Magnolia Relief Route [around the city of Magnolia] is the rst thing that’s going to be under construction, followed by the [FM] 149 extension by 2025. Total construction cost of all these projects is somewhere between $1.2 [billion] and $1.6 billion. That’s the program we’ve got put together with [the Texas Department of Transportation],” Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said. Riley said the FM 149 project is expected to begin by 2024 and is entering the nal design phase. He said the FM 1486 expansion is entering the design and survey phase, which will include land surveying, right-of-way identi cation and other environmental studies.
The Montgomery County Toll Road Authority approved just over $14 million on Nov. 7 to move forward with design and engineering e orts on projects on FM 149 and FM 1486 in the Montgomery area. The two projects on the non-tolled roads are expected to improve mobility by providing additional routes in high-tra c areas. • $10.29 million allocated for widening FM 1486 to four lanes with a raised median between FM 1774 and Jackson Road • $3.9 million allocated for extending FM 149 as a four-lane divided highway from Jackson Road to Hwy. 249 The FM 149 project also will include a new bridge at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad.
149
FM 1486 widening
Cost: $10.29M Timeline: TBD
1486
249
1774
FM 149 extension Cost: $3.9 million Timeline: 2024-TBD
N
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
Transportation
FM 1488 median project underway
What they’re saying
Leo Flores said. The medians are set to vary in width from 1 foot to 14 feet. The project, which has been in the works since 2019, aims to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and support existing and future development, Flores said. It is anticipated to cost $10.23 million, according to TxDOT.
As of Dec. 1, work on a project to install raised medians on FM 1488 from I-45 to Mostyn Drive was 26% complete, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. While construction has yet to begin on the raised medians, TxDOT is currently working on truck loons, which add pavement to help trucks make U-turns, Public Information Officer
“I just went through this process on [Hwy.] 105, and it was a mess. ... I do believe it’s going to be a hassle—I do believe people are going to drive up the road and go somewhere else, so I’m not a fan of [the median].” MIKE KELTON, OWNER OF TREEHOUSE CAFE ON FM 1488 AND HUNGER CRUSH CAFE ON HWY. 105
Timeline: completion in fourth quarter of 2025
Funding sources: federal, state
MOSTYN DR.
“You may have to go down and then make a turn and come back around, but ... I would easily trade inconvenience for safety;
45
1488
KUYKENDAHL RD.
249
242
The Woodlands
149
2978
that is not even an issue.” JEANINE WEBER, RESIDENT OF WOODLAND LANDINGS
GOSLING RD.
N
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ANNA LOTZ & LIZZY SPANGLER
FM 1488 crashes from Mostyn Drive to I-45
Stay tuned
Diving deeper
Fatal
Suspected serious injury
Suspected minor injury Noninjury/unknown
Possible injury crashes
The project will be completed from west to east, Flores said. Alongside the median, TxDOT is anticipated to add five traffic signals along FM 1488, according to maps of the proposed improvements: • At Forest West Street • At Thousand Oaks Boulevard • At Sweetgum Lane • On both sides of I-45 According to data from TxDOT, total crashes within the project limits have increased from 170 crashes in 2013 to 326 crashes in 2023 as of Nov. 20. “It just is a constant nightmare—people dart out in, you know, across traffic from anywhere in between intersections,” Weber said. Kelton said he believes adding a raised median will make traffic congestion worse by lessening the amount of space available for drivers to turn left, causing traffic to back up in the main lanes.
As the project seeks to improve mobility, data shows the number of vehicles on FM 1488 has increased since 2013. Construction is slated to wrap up in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a November update. During construction, drivers can expect one lane in either direction to close from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Total
170 191 271 288 286 335 312 239 333 339 326
2013
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Traffic counts on FM 1488 west of I-45
Annual average daily vehicles
51,757
48,952
40,523
2020 2021 2022 2023*
2013
2017
2022
SOURCE: TXDOT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TXDOT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
*AS OF NOV. 20
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Number of homes sold
November 2022
November 2023
Residential market data
33 63 33 58 27 15 75 71
10 11 97 59 41 43 54 40
+90.1%
+10%
77301
77306
Six of eight ZIP codes in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis saw the median home price fall year over year in November.
+75.76%
-39.18%
77302
77316
-44.44%
+4.88%
77303
77318
45
-5.33%
-25.93%
77304
77356
105
149
N
Median home sales price
2022
2023
2022
2023
77301 77306
77302 77316
77303 77318
77304 77356
77301
77306
-7.94%
-30.95%
$250,000
$170,901
$271,565
$247,495
Homes sold in the Conroe and Montgomery area by price point
77302
77316
-3.97%
+7.81%
$402,361
$400,000
$419,000
$371,015
77303
77318
-30.49%
-20.05%
$250,000
$279,822
$359,655
$350,000
November 2023
$1 million+
8
77304
77356
+4.04%
-2.96%
$364,140
$377,000
$350,000
$388,500
$750,000-$999,999
9
$500,000-$749,999
Average days on market
56
-15.38%
+52.94%
-12.5%
+11.43%
+1.67%
+39.19%
-36.67%
+78.18%
$250,000-$499,999
204
<$249,999
83
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY JAMIE BECHTOLD THE JAMIE BECHTOLD GROUP 15949 HWY. 105, STE. 51, MONTGOMERY • 936 215 8885 JAMIE JAMIEBECHTOLD.COM
77301
77302
77303
77304
77306
77316
77318
77356
Up to 2% OFF Listings
Dr. Jamie Bechtold
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY EMILY LINCKE
Montgomery ISD names nal superintendent candidate
Montgomery ISD trustees announced the lone nalist for the district’s superintendent position Nov. 28. MISD began its search following the resignation of Heath Morrison in July. What’s happening? Mark Ru n was named the lone candidate in a unanimous vote from MISD trustees, with trustee Shawn Denison absent. State law requires a 21-day waiting period until the lone candidate can be awarded the superin- tendent position, so Ru n cannot be o cially granted the job until Dec. 19, board President Laurie Turner said. Zooming in Ru n is currently the superintendent of Normangee ISD, a role he began in 2018, according to a Nov. 28 news release from MISD. He has also served as a high school principal for NISD, an assistant principal for Humble ISD, and a special
“He’s a man of integrity, strength and communication. He has a heart for students that is very visible, and his understanding of the
classroom and what teachers do within the classroom has been shown to us.” LAURIE TURNER, PRESIDENT, MISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
education and math teacher in Centerville ISD. “I’m so honored and so excited to come along- side you, and to serve alongside you. ... All of the phenomenal work that’s already being done here, I’ve got to run full speed just to catch up,” Ru n said. “Everyone is pouring into what they do in their roles, and I’m just here to walk alongside and learn how I can help.”
On Nov. 28, Montgomery ISD’s board of trustees named Mark Ru n as the nal candidate for the district’s open superintendent spot.
EMILY LINCKE COMMUNITY IMPACT
17
CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
Education
Education
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Conroe ISD trustees approve 2.5% employee pay raise Superintendent Curtis Null said the funds come from a resolution the board passed in January. The resolution stated if the 2023 bond passed, the $30 million taken from the district’s savings account for land purchases would be returned to its savings
Lone Star Family Health breaks ground on Conroe expansion
The Conroe ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a 2.5% employee pay raise Nov. 14. How it happened The approved scenario will result in: • A 2.5% raise on districtwide midpoint salaries • Starting teacher pay of $61,600 • Retroactive raises to the employee’s contract start date in 2023-24 and 2024-25 Cost to the district Chief Financial O cer Darrin Rice said the estimated cost to the district is $14.6 million per school year. According to district o cials, the funds for employee raises are coming from the district’s savings account. In addition, the CISD Police Department raised its starting salary for police o cers to $58,900, an annual raise of $6,537, Chief of Police Matthew Blakelock said.
A groundbreaking for an expansion project at Lone Star Family Health Center, a nonpro t family health center with locations across Montgomery County, took place Nov. 16 in Conroe. The big picture Karen Harwell, CEO of Lone Star Family Health, said the center needed to expand to meet the rising demand for accessible health care in the Greater Conroe area. The project includes expanding into a new 24,000-square-foot building next to the location at 605 S. Conroe Medical Drive as well as 20,000 square feet of renovations to the existing building. The expansion is estimated to be complete by September, Harwell said. Harwell said the entire project will help create: • An additional medical pod
• More dedicated space for o ce and nancial services for patients • New space for the women’s health center Harwell said the expansion also includes space for future growth and ex space for employees. “No one here thought that we would need this expansion, only being in this building for 11 years,” she said. “It’s crazy to think, ‘Wow, where will we be in another 10 years?’ It’s exciting.” How we got here The expansion is funded by grants the center received in January, Community Impact reported. • Texas Department of State Health Services granted $500,000 • Montgomery County Community Foundation donated $12,500 • Houston Methodist Health Innovation granted $185,000
“We’re at the point where we need to give the teachers something,
show some essence of goodwill. I think 2.5% is what we can a ord, as much as we can a ord.” DATREN WILLIAMS, BOARD MEMBER, CONROE ISD
account from the designated land funds in the bond package, making the funds available for employee compensation. Voters approved the $1.8 billion bond Nov. 7. However, Rice said without legislative action, approval of the raises will result in a budget shortfall. With the raise approved for 2023-24, there will be no funding for increasing employee compensation again in 2024-25. If no action is taken by the Legislature, Rice said the district will have to look at cutting about $15 million worth of positions to have a balanced budget for scal year 2025-26. “There is risk involved in giving a raise,” Null said. “We believe that is a risk we have to take at
A groundbreaking for an expansion project at Lone Star Family Health Center took place Nov. 16 in Conroe.
CASSANDRA JENKINS COMMUNITY IMPACT
this point. We need to take care of our people.” A quick note The 88th Texas Legislature did not provide funds for teacher raises during the normal session, but the agenda for the Legislature’s fourth special session—which began Nov. 7—includes funding for employee raises among other education topics.
75
45
336
• A new dedicated mental health suite • A larger pharmacy with retail space
SGT. ED HOLCOMB BLVD.
N
CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410
MONTGOMERY PLAZA 1420 N Loop 336 W (936) 441-7161
WILLIS 9618 FM 1097 (936) 228-0385
Conroe's growth spurs multifamily housing boom From the cover
The context
Montgomery
1097
6 7
LAKE CONROE
Willis
18
10
45
75
Since mid-2022, six multifamily complexes have opened in the area: The Strake at Grand Central, Alta Sergeant, Prose In The Pines, The Flats at Hooper Hill and Argo Pointe Apartments in Conroe; and The Vic at Woodforest off Central Pine Street in Montgomery. In addition, there are around 10 multifamily projects under construction in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis with three more proposed, according to MRI ApartmentData and Community Impact reporting. Two developments slated for Montgomery include 98 multifamily units proposed as part of a larger mixed-use project at Lone Star Parkway and FM 149 by Superior Properties, according to previous reporting, and Grand Monarch Apartments, which are under construction as of an October 2023 development map from the city. Two new construction projects were also registered in Willis with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on Nov. 20—Cannan Place Apartments and Camp Creek Apartments. “Conroe has become a hot commodity for investors compared to its previous status,” Harper said. “Ownership groups specializing in apartment complexes and townhomes carefully analyze demographics and track industry trends.” Regionally, as of an October report by economic development organization the Greater Houston Partnership, there are 23,638 units across 91 properties under construction in the Greater Houston area, with 19,730 units expected to be completed within the next year. Ariana Brewer, the resident manager at Argo Pointe Apartments, a complex with 60 units that opened in September off Argo Road, said Conroe was chosen as it’s an emerging city. “This location perfectly fits the area’s growth and vibe,” Brewer said. “It’s well-positioned, part of a small boutique community and quiet at [FM] 1314.”
830
14
2432
5
13
16
12
1484
11
105
149
9
2854
8
3
4
Conroe
KEENAN CUT OFF RD.
1
KEY:
2
FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE
Now open Coming soon Proposed
336
17
3083
15
N
APARTMENT
UNITS
STARTING RENT OPENING
1314
149
1. Alta Sergeant
354
$1,215 $1,400
November 2023 September 2023
WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER
2. Argo Pointe Apartments
60
3. The Aria 336 4. Ariza Westview 5. Beckett West Fork
179 240 408
Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown 1488
Construction to finish in June 2025
September 2024 November 2024
242
6. Camp Creek Apartments 7. Cannan Place Apartments MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8. Edge At Montgomery Park
78 78
April 2024 April 2024
109 158
December 2024 November 2023
9. Flats At Hooper Hill
$1,165
10. Grand Monarch Apartments 11. Plantation Drive site 12. Prose In The Pines 13. Reserve At City Place II 14. Stewart Creek Road site 15. The Strake at Grand Central
72
Unknown Unknown
TBD TBD
395 264 276 270
$1,360 $1,558
June 2023 March 2024
Unknown
TBD
317
$1,375 $1,150 $1,209
July 2022
16. The Terrace at Pine Lake Cove 241
February 2024
17. Vic At Woodforest
334
May 2023
18. Superior Properties project
98
Unknown
2025
SOURCES: MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPERS, MRI APARTMENTDATA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The breakdown
MRI ApartmentData. As occupancies remain above 85%, rents in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis remain high. “When occupancies drop below 90%, that’s when it becomes a renter’s market. Rents tend to be more favorable for renters at that point,” said Bruce McClenny, industry principal with MRI ApartmentData. “Operators can’t easily raise rents because the supply exceeds demand.”
According to MRI ApartmentData, Conroe, Montgomery and Willis total multifamily occu- pancy rates have fluctuated, dropping from 89.6% in October 2022 to 85.4% in October 2023. This is lower than the multifamily occupancy rate for the Greater Houston area of 89.2% as of September—a decrease from 90.8% in September 2022, according to MRI ApartmentData. In Conroe, Montgomery and Willis, around 1,600 units were added since 2021, according to
Multifamily occupancy in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis
89.6%
89.3%
86.4%
85.4%
Oct. 2022 Feb. 2023 June 2023
Oct. 2023
SOURCE: MRI APARTMENTDATA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
The big picture
Going forward
price—the total cost of renting minus any discounts—in the Conroe and Montgomery area has been on the rise. As well, 2022 American Community Survey five-year estimates show renters pay more for median monthly housing costs in five local ZIP codes than homeowners do.
Development activity indicates around 1,400 units will be added locally among seven complexes slated to open in 2024. “As we open the doors to Alta Sergeant, we are happy to be a part of one of the fastest- growing markets in the Houston area,” Bart Barrett—managing director of Wood Partners, developer of Alta Sergeant, which opened in November in Conroe—said in a Nov. 28 news release. However, the apartment market may be in an overbuilding phase, leading to a flattening of apartment rents while housing prices continue to rise, said Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership, in an Oct. 31 GHP podcast. “We’ve seen apartment rents flatten, while housing prices go up,” Jankowski said. “It definitely means we’re going to see more renters—not just apartments, but also single-family homes.”
In Conroe, a boom in retail and lower-paying jobs has spurred a need for multifamily housing for those seeking affordability, Harper said. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montgomery County saw leisure and hospitality jobs up 22.36% from March 2018 to March 2023. MRI ApartmentData shows the effective rental
Effective monthly rent price of apartments in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis
$1,220 $1,240 $1,260 $1,280
$1,263
$1,184
$1,200
$1,180
0 Nov. 2021
March 2022 July 2022
Nov. 2022 March 2023
July 2023 Oct. 2023
SOURCE: MRI APARTMENTDATA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Houston Money Show The Greater Houston Coin Club is holding its 67th annual Houston Money Show for the public to sell and buy coins, gold, silver and jewelry for cash. • Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • www.houstoncoinshow.org Love Heals Youth Gala Love Heals Youth’s gala helps fund its mission to make a difference for foster youth. • Jan. 19, 6 p.m. • $125 (individual ticket) • Moonlight Venue, 2017 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.lovehealsyouth.com Conroe job fair The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce is holding its 12th annual job fair. Workshops will cover resume writing and interview skills. • Jan. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • www.conroe.org
December
NYE at Pacific Yard House Pacific Yard House is holding a glitter-themed New Year’s Eve event with piano music and Yelba’s Variety Band. • Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
• $15 (per reserved seat) • 101 Metcalf St., Conroe • www.outhousetickets.com
January
Dean Martin and Friends Tribute show The Dean Martin tribute show stars Tom Stevens. • Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. • $63 (admission) • Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main St., Conroe • www.crightontheatre.org Beatlemania The Crighton Theatre is holding a tribute to the Beatles with a live multimedia spectacular event. • Jan. 13, 7 p.m. • $47 (admission) • Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main St., Conroe • www.crightontheatre.org
Lineage Society Fair The Lineage Society Fair will be held at the Genealogy & Local History Library with multiple societies present to share research, including the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames XVII Century and the Sons of the American Revolution. • Jan. 25, noon-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Montgomery County Memorial Library System- Central Library, 104 I-45 N., Conroe • www.montgomerycountyhistoricalcommission.org
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Chai lattes are a customer favorite.
Melissa Jones prepares an energy drink, which are made with a concentrate of green tea, co ee, sparkling water and avors.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILAR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Woman-owned Blue Willow Co ee marks two years
After that, her co ee was in demand, which led Jones to open a small co ee trailer for a few months before the city changed food truck ordinances. Jones said she decided then to move her business to its current location, one of the only historic buildings left in Willis. What’s on the menu? The co ee shop o ers a variety of lattes made as an espresso or as a cold brew as well as stimmys, or energy drinks made with natural ca eine that she said prevents the crash e ect caused by other energy drinks. Popular items include the Magnolia, which is made with a special sweet cream recipe, and the cinnamon roll latte.
Melissa Jones opened Blue Willow Co ee in November 2021 to add a local co ee shop option in Willis. How it happened Jones said she was a hairdresser for 17 years and had no prior experience in the co ee industry but served co ee to her clients and friends. During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, many people lost power, and Jones took the opportunity to o er her backup generator. “I had a generator, and I had an espresso machine at the house. So I made a post to my neighborhood that said, ‘Hey, guys I have hot co ee and a generator. Come over and warm up,’” she said.
The shop’s exterior features art created by local artists.
N
109 N. Danville St., Willis www.facebook.com/bluewillowco ee
Wishing you a Healthy Holiday Season!
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
Nonpro t
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Rescued horses help children, adults at Cherokee Outlaw Ranch After a horse riding accident in December 2021, Amy Nordic went to physical therapy, where her therapist suggested she look into creating a nonpro t with the land and horses she and her husband, Ty Nordic, own in Willis. The full story Ty Nordic heard about a nonpro t called H Town Dream Center, which helps women and children who survive human tra cking and domestic violence. “There are a lot of kids out there that don’t have anything positive at all in their lives,” he said. “We want them to come out here, enjoy the country and ride the horses—to have something to look forward to during the week that was positive.” Cherokee Outlaw Ranch received its designation as a nonpro t organization in January 2022. The ranch specializes in equine therapy by using horses to aid children and adults in overcoming challenges, fear and abuse. Ty Nordic said the horses are rescues, and also survivors of abuse and neglect. As of Dec. 4, Cherokee Outlaw Ranch had rescued 24 horses and serves approximately 12-16 children at a time. Amy Nordic said the couple’s vision is for the ranch to become a sanctuary that eventually no one has to pay for. “The di culty in getting donations, applying for grants—it’s overwhelming sometimes,” Ty Nordic said. “But all we want to do is create a safe space for children and horses to nd some peace and positivity in the world.”
Children who visit Cherokee Outlaw Ranch can interact with horses by visiting the corral, or brushing or petting the horses.
PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA JENKINS COMMUNITY IMPACT
150
1725
SCOTT LN.
COLLIER RD.
N
91 Scott Lane, Willis www.cherokeeoutlawranch.org
Ty and Amy Nordic own Cherokee Outlaw Ranch, a nonpro t organization located in Willis.
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