Unveiling the EarthQuest models

Like Disney World, only greener: An exclusive first look at the proposed ecotheme park

EarthQuest Adventures would span 1,600 acres.

Photo by Meredith Riddle
It would include a theme park, a water park, hotel, conference center, retailand office developments and, eventually, a residential phase.

Photo by Caroline Gallay
Pictured is a model of EarthQuest's Institute, a "an innovative new educationand research facility with hands-on exhibits dedicated to advancing ourawareness and appreciation of the environment."

Photo by Meredith Riddle

For those who, like me, were left with an insatiable black hole where AstroWorld used to be, fear not. Houston might (maybe!) be getting another theme park.

And it's not just any old theme park — in fact, its proposed sheer size (1,600 acres) makes AstroWorld look like the Delaware State Fair. The proposed EarthQuest Adventures is an "edutainment" resort that includes a theme park, water park, hotel, institute and perhaps even a residential component. The massive resort is proposed for Montgomery County about 30 miles north of downtown Houston (and 15 miles from IAH), and the expanse of its operations make it more comparable to Disney Word than to AstroWorld.

And that's fitting, because its founders are all ex-Disney execs. The connections run deep, too — one of the speakers at last night's private presentation at Kirksey Architecture to an audience of developers, architects and contractors was the voice of Dale the Chipmunk before he became an engineer. CultureMap was the only media outlet in the meeting.

These imagineers, as they call themselves, have dreamt up a world where eco-education is fun, and profitable.

Think themed zones like Sky (that's where the coasters come in), Water, Land, and Life. Think singing stalagmites and mid-ride conservation lessons. The expanse will even include a non-profit arm called the Institute, planned as an educational and research center promoting sustainability and natural resource conservation.

But let's get to the good stuff, like, how much will it cost? And how will it affect Houston?

Well, Phase I (of three with Phase I being the theme park) is projected to cost $600 million. The whole thing's got an estimated $2 billion in annual expenditures, an estimated two million visitors a year and projects to make the state $250 million in annual revenue, according to the developers.

Though it may seem far-fetched (their most generous approximate timeline is three years, and they're still rounding up financing), it seems considerable local support has already been thrown behind the project. Seven million dollars in bonds have already been committed, and representatives yesterday said they've been at work on the project for six years — including two trips to the legislature.

Will EarthQuest make Houston a viable tourist destination, a la Orlando? Is it kinda ironic to plant a 1,600-acre eco-resort on top of what used to be mostly green space?

Who cares. ROLLER COASTERS!

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cashing in

Millionaire sports bettor’s massive Katy compound listed for $11.2 million

Photo by APEX Media

4233 Two Gun Way is a 12-acre estate in Katy, on the market for $11.2 million.

Step inside the house that betting built. 4233 Two Gun Way in Katy, the 12-acre compound owned by Michael Cohen, is on the market for $11.2 million. It’s represented by Nicholas Moncada of Douglas Elliman.

Cohen is an avid sports bettor and a five-time $1 million winner on DraftKings. He purchased the spread, which is made up of three four-acre parcels, with his winnings. Cohen renamed both the private street and estate “Two Gun Way” after his betting handle. He also commissioned custom branding for the place, which means that buyers will find a modern Texas ranch with its own visual identity.

The French-style estate offers exceptional luxury living with room to create the ultimate family compound. Designed by Houston-based Frankel Design Build, the main home sprawls across 14,741 square feet and is intentionally divided into two distinct experiences. One whole wing was inspired by the arcade energy of Dave & Buster’s, created specifically for entertainment and social gathering. It’s anchored by a two-lane Brunswick bowling alley, theater with concession stand, game lounge, bar, and indoor-outdoor entertaining spaces.

The opposite wing has a hidden passage off the study, and opens into a soaring two-story library designed to feel timeless, immersive, and transportive.

An open-concept floor plan gives the home everyday comfort, with ample space for grand-scale entertaining. The living and dining rooms offer sweeping views of the grounds. Home cooks will delight in the chef’s kitchen with Wolf appliances and custom Benedettini cabinetry. Two bedrooms and two full baths are downstairs, along with two powder rooms. Upstairs, find three to four additional bedrooms with four full baths.

Substantial attic space offers the potential to add additional rooms.

Additional highlights include a separate catering kitchen, elevator-ready design, three staircases, three fireplaces, a six-car garage, a whole-home generator, an outdoor kitchen with a serving window from the interior bar, and a detached casita. A pond and barn complete the compound.

A 4,124-square-foot residence with its own three-car garage is on the second parcel of land, providing a space for in-laws, guests, or an estate caretaker. Approximately four of the estate’s 12 acres are cleared, and the next owners will find land large enough for everything from a private sports field or additional structures to other amenities limited only by their imagination.

With its Katy location, 20 minutes from the future Houston Texans Toro District and global headquarters development in Bridgeland, this is an estate that reflects the growing demand for highly private, amenity-rich compounds catering to athletes, entertainers, executives, and multigenerational families seeking space without sacrificing proximity to Houston.

Photo by APEX Media

4233 Two Gun Way is a 12-acre estate in Katy, on the market for $11.2 million.

home-for-sale

Unveiling the EarthQuest models

Like Disney World, only greener: An exclusive first look at the proposed ecotheme park

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cashing in

Millionaire sports bettor’s massive Katy compound listed for $11.2 million