REDEVELOPMENT CONTINUES IN RICE DRIER AREA

As part of continued redevelopment in the Rice Drier area along the State Highway 35 corridor, Orr Commercial has started demolition on the dilapidated Drager property on the southwest corner of Rice Drier and SH 35. PEDC is funding the demolition through a reimbursement agreement with the developer. Once demolition is complete, the property will be subdivided into three separate lots.

The Rice Drier Redevelopment area is identified by the SH 35 Redevelopment Strategy as part of Catalyst No. 2 North, which recognizes the area as being favorable for leveraging public and private investment, such as infrastructure or aesthetic improvements, to stimulate interest in the area. Over the past several years, PEDC has worked to redevelop much of the area, including clean-up of the former contaminated Emchem site, demolition of the former Rice Drier elevator site that was badly damaged in a fire, construction of four acres of detention to improve drainage and allow for the site to be developed and roads to be improved, ERS-CAT’s construction of a new facility and Tractor Supply’s construction of a new store fronting SH 35.

FINAL PHASE OF 288 MASTER PLAN IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY

Construction has started on the final phase of the State Highway 288 Master Plan Improvements. These improvements will include landscape elements, irrigation, lighting, water fountains, pear sculptures, and sidewalks and gateway markers from Beltway 8 to Magnolia Parkway. The improvements are expected to be complete in 2024.

Over the past twenty-five years, the SH 288 corridor has transformed from a rural area to a major commercial center with millions of square feet of retail, office, two new hospitals and high-quality residential development. Recognizing the importance of the corridor, in 2014 the City, PEDC and businesses in the corridor jointly developed a master plan that identified improvements to enhance the appearance and infrastructure of the corridor and complement the nearly $1 billion investment in the corridor from the 288 managed toll lane project.

The implementation of the 288 Master Improvements Plan is a key focus area in the Pearland Prosperity Community Strategic Plan and is being implemented through a partnership between the City, PEDC, and Pearland Municipal Management District #2. 

SULLIVAN BROTHERS BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN OLD TOWNSITE

Sullivan Brothers is constructing a 5.9-acre residential development in the southeast quadrant of Old Townsite, south of Broadway and east of SH 35. The development will consist generally of three vacant tracts that will be developed to include a mixture of single-family homes. The area surrounding the development consists of multi-family housing complexes, commercial and retail businesses, restaurants, and civic institutions. Through a public-private partnership agreement with the developer, the City is funding public infrastructure improvements needed for project and PEDC will reimburse the City for the cost of the improvements.

The project is a redevelopment opportunity to increase economic activity near SH35 which is also one of the strategic initiatives of the Pearland Prosperity Community Strategic Plan. The project also supports the vision of the SH35 Redevelopment Strategy, which is to create a high quality and consistently designed employment and business environment with compatible land uses and supportive amenities. The SH35 Strategy identifies the Old Townsite area as a Catalyst opportunity to create a mixed-use environment, including pedestrian and streetscape improvements, establish a destination for residents and visitors with commercial venues unique to the area, and grow Old Townsite’s dining and shopping offerings.

CONTINUED PROGRESS ON PARKS AND AMENITIES IN PEARLAND 

The City adopted a new Parks Recreation, Open Spaces and Trail Master Plan in January 2021. This plan serves as a blueprint for the community to continue its efforts to develop signature park improvements and trail and bicycle/pedestrian connectivity projects.

The City celebrated the grand opening for the second phase of the Sports Complex at Shadow Creek Ranch, which includes two turf cricket/rugby fields and a multipurpose Miracle Field area designed to accommodate special needs athletes. The expansion also included additional field lighting, approximately 250 parking spaces and expanded restroom and concession offerings.

A new portion of the Shadow Creek Ranch Trail was recently completed, connecting the existing trail with the West Pearland Library. This extension continues the efforts of enhancing the Shadow Creek Ranch Trail system and increasing ease of access to desired businesses and public spaces.