Massive New Community

Energy Corridor to get an urban makeover with plans for billion dollar mixed-use development

One area developer is hoping to make Houston's Energy Corridor — located just west of Beltway 8 — feel a lot more like the highly-urbanized Inner Loop with a massive new mixed-use community.

On Thursday, developer PM Realty Group (PMRG) revealed its plans for Republic Square, a "billion-plus-dollar, high-density, mixed-use development" that will sit on a 35-acre tract between Interstate 10 and Memorial Drive. The property was purchased from ExxonMobil in 2013; it previously housed the headquarters of ExxonMobil Chemical.

Republic Square will "offer all of the thoughtfully curated facilities, technologies and lifestyle amenities," which the developer says is aimed at attracting "up-and-coming millenials."

The new development is set to feature 2.6 million square feet of office space in Class A buildings, as well as 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 800 multi-family residential units and two full-service hotels. According to a press release, Republic Square will "offer all of the thoughtfully curated facilities, technologies and lifestyle amenities," which the developer says is aimed at attracting "up-and-coming millenials."

As the property will border the 500-acre Terry Hershey Park, PMRG says it plans to provide increased connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists to the park and its trail system.

The development's first phase, which will break ground in early 2016 and is scheduled for completion by early 2018, includes an office building, parking garage, hotel and fitness center, as well as the central square, according to the Houston Chronicle. PMRG says "The Square" will be "distinctly urban" and feature casual and fine-dining restaurants that line a large outdoor space, to be used for events and concerts.

Elkus Manfredi Architects developed the master plan for Republic Square, and Houston-based Kirksey is the architect of record. President of Blakefield, Tom D'Alesandro — formerly president and CEO of The Woodlands Development Co. — has assisted as a development consultant.

Republic Square, located in the Energy Corridor, will feel "distinctly urban" and feature many restaurants and shopping destinations.

Courtesy of PMRG

Republic Square, located in the Energy Corridor, will feel "distinctly urban" and feature many restaurants and shopping destinations.

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This affluent Houston enclave is the richest small town in Texas

Facebook / City of Bellaire, Texas

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Affluent Houston neighbor Bellaire is cashing in as the richest small town in Texas for 2025, according to new study from GoBankingRates.

The report, "The Richest Small Town in Every State," used data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey to determine the 50 richest small towns in America based on their median household income.

Of course, Houstonians realize that describing Bellaire as a "small town" is a bit of misnomer. Located less than 10 miles from downtown and fully surrounded by the City of Houston, Bellaire is a wealthy enclave that boasts a population of just over 17,000 residents. These affluent citizens earn a median $236,311 in income every year, which GoBankingRates says is the 11th highest household median income out of all 50 cities included in the report.

The average home in this city is worth over $1.12 million, but Bellaire's lavish residential reputation often attracts properties with multi-million-dollar price tags.

Bellaire also earned a shining 81 livability score for its top quality schools, health and safety, commute times, and more. The livability index, provided by Toronto, Canada-based data analytics and real estate platform AreaVibes, said Bellaire has "an abundance of exceptional local amenities."

"Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks," AreaVibes said. "These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that [residents'] daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation."

Many popular Houston restaurants are setting their sights on this wealthy enclave. Detroit-style pizzamakers Gold Tooth Tony’s opened its second pizza joint in Bellaire in 2024. And most recently, Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant Candente announced it would open a second location just down the street from Gold Tooth Tony's at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

Earlier in 2025, GoBankingRates ranked Bellaire as the No. 23 wealthiest suburb in America, and it's no stranger to being named on similar lists comparing the richest American cities.

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