on target

Houston developer breaks ground on $400 million, 165 acre Katy project

Those driving along the frontage road of Interstate 10 and the newly completed Texas Heritage Parkway in Katy might have noticed a big new project under construction. That’s because Houston-based commercial real estate firm NewQuest just began work on its $400 million, 165-acre, mixed-use shopping center in Waller County.

The Texas Heritage Marketplace, when complete, will include 750,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, along with 550 apartments in two communities. NewQuest will develop all of those, plus nearly 300,000 square feet of medical office space and self-storage units. Target is set to anchor the development and will build a 149,000-square-foot store.

NewQuest has invested nearly 10 years in bringing the project to fruition.

"After all these years of work, we couldn't be happier to kick off Texas Heritage Marketplace with a great anchor like Target," says Austin Alvis, NewQuest's president and chief development officer. "We are presently working with a variety of leading retailers and restaurateurs to procure the best possible mix for the project. We look forward to announcing additional anchors and tenants soon."

The developer waited for a decade, as growth in the area pushed westward. Now, the communities around Katy and the city itself are nationally ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. With the completion of the 6.5-mile Texas Heritage Parkway and interest from prospective tenants, NewQuest hit go on the project. The new artery links the development to a five-mile trade area with a population of nearly 147,000 with an average annual income of more than $160,000, according to NewQuest.

For residents along the corridor, the completed project will bring new shopping, business and entertainment options. The developer’s in-house architectural team designed a cohesive, walkable environment with ample greenspace, including a huge Heritage oak tree that has been relocated from the path of the recently-completed road. NewQuest says it's the largest tree ever moved in the Houston area.

The project represents a collaboration with the City of Katy, Waller County, and Texas Heritage Parkway Association. There’s no date yet on when the development will be fully complete.

Photo courtesy of NewQuest

The new Texas Heritage Marketplace will be located along Interstate 10 and the newly completed Texas Heritage Parkway in Katy.

HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

ranches hill country hays county celebrities george strait george jones listings

on target

Houston developer breaks ground on $400 million, 165 acre Katy project

Favorite Houston burger joint fires up Memorial opening date

4 Houston spots make Texas Monthly's best new restaurants of 2026 list

Beard-recognized Houston chef fires up second taqueria in Lindale Park

HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M