Once characterized by its rural charm and agricultural heritage, Spring Branch, nestled within the heart of Houston, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a bustling community.  Over the past decade, Spring Branch has seen a notable surge in population, rising from 107,271 to 120,667 residents, according to the Spring Branch Management District (SBMD). Situated at the crossroads of Houston's major arteries - Interstate 10, Beltway 8, Highway 290 and the 610 Loop - Spring Branch provides accessibility to some of the city’s busiest areas. The area is also strategically positioned near the Energy Corridor, Downtown and Memorial. This substantial growth, coupled with seamless urban connectivity, has positioned it as an attractive destination for new developments and businesses.   Click to expand Witte Road Redevelopment Project Last year, the Witte Road Redevelopment project was completed, converting a former 1.53-acre warehouse on Witte and Westview roads into a neighborhood hotspot for dining and retail. The development features two flagship Underbelly Hospitality concepts, Wild Oats and Underbelly Burger, alongside The Decoy, an expansive outdoor bar with sand volleyball courts.  Houston-based Newfound Partners, a new commercial real estate firm, also recently redeveloped a 28,500-square-foot industrial building at 1106 Witte Road into an innovative, single-level office development. The building now serves as Newfound’s headquarters and is also home to Cannon Field, Leggett Ventures, On Point Custom Homes and more.   Click to expand MarqE Entertainment Center Meanwhile, Spring Branch’s culinary scene is booming with new businesses. Notably, Christine Ha, winner of MasterChef season three, unveiled Stuffed Belly, a novel drive-thru sandwich concept, last year. Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse and SeaSide Poke were unveiled this year as the latest additions to Spring Branch's MarqE Entertainment Center. Additionally, beloved Heights hand-rolled sushi eatery Hando and a new cafe venture by the owners of Urban Eats, dubbed Salt & Sugar, are expanding into the area.   Click to expand Spring Branch Trail Amid ongoing growth and development, Spring Branch remains committed to elevating its quality of life through the enhancement of parks, green spaces and trails. SBMD recently announced that construction is set to commence this summer on a 1-mile concrete stretch that will connect two existing hike-and-bike trails – Emnora and Spring Branch.   Slated for completion in 2025, this project marks the third phase of SBMD's comprehensive strategy to link the Addicks Reservoir near Beltway 8 with the White Oak Bayou Greenway. The initial phase, finalized in 2020, introduced the 2.4-mile Spring Branch Trail, with the second phase set to expand upon this trail once nearby utility tower work concludes.  Click to expand Haden Park Rendering Additionally, SBMD is working to revitalize Haden Park, which spans 13-acres at the northeast corner of Long Point and Witte Road. According to SBMB’s 2024 Master Plan, the project, slated to begin construction in 2025, will add an event lawn, dog park, splash pad, tree house, pickleball courts, playgrounds and public art installations, alongside other improvements to existing infrastructure.  Discover Houston’s neighborhoods and communities.  

The Greater Houston Partnership has been awarded Site Selection Magazine’s Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for its outstanding regional economic development performance in 2023. Widely considered to be the gold standard recognition for regions from the industry’s top trade publication, the award is based on the following criteria:  Total projects Total investment associated with those corporate facility projects Total jobs associated with those corporate facility projects Per capita calculations of those same three metrics  "Receiving the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development is not just a recognition of our region’s achievements; it's a testament to our commitment to creating opportunity in Houston,” said Steve Kean, President and CEO at the Partnership. “It’s a team effort here in Houston, and we are delighted to work with our partner economic development groups across the region to tell the world about Houston and attract new jobs and investment to our community.”  This is the Partnership’s first win since 2021 and 15th time winning the award. The Partnership previously received honorable mentions in 2007, 2016 and 2017, bringing the Partnership’s total number of appearances in Site Selection’s top group rankings to 18 since its inception in 1989.  “I am very proud of our organization's recognition of the prestigious Mac Conway Award for Excellence,” said Craig Rhodes, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Partnership. “It's a testament to the collaborative efforts with our partners across the 12-county region, and it motivates our team to continue our mission of driving inclusive prosperity and creating meaningful opportunities for all."  Following major economic development wins in 2023, the greater Houston region has gotten off to a strong start in the first quarter of 2024, with 139 new business announcements identified.  A total of 40 businesses established new facilities in the Houston area while 97 projects were an expansion of existing Houston-area facilities. Manufacturing accounted for 32 percent of the announcements, with professional, scientific and technical services ranking second (17 percent).  Learn more about why companies choose Houston.