Collaboration with Houston Texans, Howard Hughes Communities™ will drive progress and deliver county services to rapidly growing area
Marking a transformative investment for unincorporated Northwest Harris County, Commissioners Court today approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Houston Texans and Howard Hughes Holdings, authorizing the County to pursue a public-private partnership to create a mixed-use sports and entertainment destination in Bridgeland®.
This landmark economic development initiative, led by Commissioner Lesley Briones and Commissioner Tom Ramsey, provides residents with better access to Harris County services, increases lifestyle and recreational amenities in the area, and creates more connectivity through infrastructure improvements. The project also supports local hiring and workforce training opportunities through apprenticeship programs for construction and trade partners. Community-focused events, including youth sports programs, will be hosted at the athletic facility, with sports internships and educational programming available for high schools in Cypress-Fairbanks and Waller Independent School Districts as well as Lone Star College.
“This public-private partnership reflects what we strive to do every day in Harris County — transform lives through education, job training, and employment opportunities. Bringing County resources deeper into the heart of this fast-growing area of Northwest Harris County will create good paying jobs, allow more convenient access to County services, enhance health and wellness with new green spaces, and increase connectivity with needed infrastructure investments,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. As a former teacher, I am especially energized by the collaboration that will take place with high school and college students through internships and other educational programs. The Toro District is a huge win for our community. We keep our beloved Texans here at home and are catalyzing a transformative economic development project that will grow the economy of Northwest Harris County for decades to come. I thank the Houston Texans and Howard Hughes® for their vision, partnership, and commitment to creating a Harris County where everyone can thrive.”
“Harris County has always been a strong economic driver and innovator in sustainable infrastructure. From the Port of Houston, the energy sector, to the world class medical center, it’s only appropriate that we elevate this sports facility to be the best in America. This MOU between Precincts 3 & 4, Howard Hughes®, and the Houston Texans is a powerful commitment to the residents of Harris County. This agreement covers everything from infrastructure improvements, more access to Harris County services, youth development, and economic growth – it truly is a great day for Harris County,” said Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey.
The MOU establishes a path toward development of the Toro District, a new 83-acre, mixed-use sports and entertainment destination in Bridgeland Central®, the Howard Hughes® community in Northwest Harris County. This mixed-use development is projected to drive $34 billion in economic impact across the region, create more than 17,000 jobs, and feature 61 acres of best-in-class retail, restaurant, hotel, commercial, entertainment, and medical office space in Bridgeland Central®, the community’s emerging 925-acre urban core.
“Today is a historic day for the Houston Texans, our fans, and the Greater Houston area as we partner with Howard Hughes® and Harris County on a world-class sports and entertainment destination, including our new headquarters and training facility,” said Cal McNair, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Texans. “Our organization continues to grow, and this aligns with our goals of bringing a championship to Houston, enhancing community services and making sports more accessible. This project reinforces our long-term commitment to Harris County and our focus on driving growth and opportunity for the community. It will set the new standard for the global sports and entertainment industry, and it’s the most significant evolution for our organization since our inception.”
“This is not just a headquarters. It is a statement about where Houston is going,” said David O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hughes®. “When you bring together visionary public leadership, a world-class NFL franchise, and a long-term development partner, you can do something far bigger than any one organization alone. Toro District will create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, expand access to services, and deliver a gathering place that families will enjoy for generations. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Texans and Harris County to build something that reflects the ambition and energy of this region.”
Portions of the project will be funded by a newly created TIRZ. The rapid growth and development of the area will support the infrastructure needs.
More details on the development will be made available in the coming weeks. For more information, visit: torodistrict.com
[Photo: Instagram]
