Driving around the Brazos Valley, new buildings seem to appear overnight and some young businesses also seem to disappear by the morning. An empty field at dawn seems to sprout into hundreds of houses by dusk.
Here’s a look at the newest changes, expansions and construction projects coming to Brazos Valley cities including new developments from neighborhoods to long-awaited restaurants expected in the new year.
City of Brenham
Industrial Developments
Industrial development within Brenham city limits will see more growth in 2024 through expansion and new business additions including:
- Valmont Industries: manufacturer of irrigation systems, utility poles (traffic lights, etc.) and windmill support structures
- MIC Group: manufacturer servicing the oil, gas, aerospace, defense and power generation industries
- Stanpac: manufacturer for food service and ice cream packaging, plus a servicer for glass milk bottles, glass and bottle printing
Retail Developments
Following construction in 2023, retail developments set to open in the new year in Brenham include clothing and beauty stores, as well as fast food restaurant options, including:
- Ulta Beauty
- Burlington
- Chick-fil-A
Brenham’s H-E-B will see further expansion efforts set to conclude by the end of 2024.
Hospitality Development
Hotels and lodging options announced in 2023 are still in the works for the City of Brenham. Developments are set to open in 2024 include:
- LaQuinta Inn & Suites
- Hawthorn Suites
- Marriott
"The economic development team is continuously fielding inquiries from prospective businesses and looks forward to a robust 2024."
— Christine Simich, administrative assistant in economic development for the City of Brenham
City of Bryan
Retail Developments
Some developments within the City of Bryan, such as Chicken Oil Co., will be reopening in 2024. Fast food restaurants and coffee shops will be opening their doors for the first time, along with clothing and general merchandise stores that will be undergoing construction and redevelopment, include:
- Newton Street Coffee Shop
- Starbucks (two locations)
- Drew's Car Wash
- 7 Brew Coffee
- Northern Tool + Equipment
- Dutch Bros
- Ross Dress for Less
Housing Developments
In 2023, the City of Bryan experienced a decline in residential permitting due to the increased cost of living, construction prices and interest rates. Despite this, developers are hopeful for positive economic activity soon and the development of new housing options, including:
- Aspen Street Apartments
- Reveille Park Subdivision
- Twelve Oaks Reserve
- Yaupon Trails Subdivision
Hospitality Developments
The Bryan community looks to expand lodging facilities within the city in 2024, including:
- LaSalle Hotel: undergoing renovations and expansions for a new restaurant and bar
- Tabor Road Truck Stop: approved for construction in late 2023, with plans to open in 2024
Travis Bryan Midtown Park Development
Announced in 2022, a new, two-story indoor and outdoor entertainment venue will be opened in the Travis Bryan Midtown Park on Sept. 1. The highly anticipated Schulman’s Movie Bowl Grille will include a bowling alley, pickleball courts, an arcade, movie theater rooms and more.
In 2024, Midtown Park will also see developments around its lake with a boathouse and docks for fishing, as well as paddle boards and kayaks for water activities. Rentals and a water feature are expected to be added.
Public facilities are also being proposed for the location with plans to develop additional conference and recreation spaces.
City of College Station
Retail Developments
In recent years, the City of College Station has seen a constant stream of retail developments with more to come in 2024. From restaurants to cinnamon roll and mochi shops, there are many new food options anticipated to open in College Station, including:
- Pluckers Wing Bar
- Crust Pizza Co.
- Cinnaholic
- Mochinut
Focus on Redevelopment
The Post Oak Mall has been a point of interest for potential redevelopment in recent years, and conversations around converting the closed Macy’s building into an esports center have continued since College Station purchased the property in 2022.
A new food hall will open in 2024 across the street from Post Oak Mall at the closed Sears store. Acquired by the owners of Union Hall, a Waco eatery, the new dining space will include a diverse collection of foods presented as a gathering place.
Also being redeveloped in College Station is the permanently closed Albertsons building. Houston-based developer LEVCOR acquired the space to turn it into a Crunch Fitness set to open in 2024.
Bio & Technology Development
Several technology companies located within the City of College Station will look to grow and expand in 2024, including:
- FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
- Matica Biotechnology
College Station’s relationship with Amazon will continue to grow in 2024, as well. Serving as one of the first Amazon drone delivery cities, College Station became the first city to receive medical prescriptions via Amazon Prime Air. The service will see improvements and upgrades in 2024, including reducing drone noise and expanding the delivery radius.
Century Square Development
Century Square has entered Phase II of its inline retail expansion project with a collection of new restaurants and shops expected to open in 2024. While most new developments remain anonymous, Hawaiian food restaurant Coco Shrimp has been announced and is set to make its Century Square debut in 2024.
City of Navasota
New Developments
The City of Navasota will see a collection of new developments in 2024. Baylor Lumber Co., the city's local lumber supply company, has been working towards expansion, including Baylor Backyard, an outdoor cooking retail shop. Other developments expected to open in 2024 include:
- A smoothie shop
- New self-storage facility
- New gas stations
Navasota's new hospitality development, Candlewood Suites, will also open in 2024.
Housing Developments
Navasota’s housing developments have continued to grow throughout 2023, and the city looks to continue expansion in 2024. Pecan Lakes Golf Club is entering Phase IV of development, adding 187 residential lots to the community. Pecan Grove Estates, an expansion of Pecan Lakes, will also add 147 new lots.
Navasota’s 2024 housing developments will result in 1,000+ new lots in newly constructed or expanded neighborhoods, including:
- Hidden Hills: Phase II with 30 lots
- Brazos Place: new subdivision with 312 lots
- Roosevelt Street: small infill development with 12 lots
- Altamira Subdivision: brand new project with 382 lots
Mildflyer Mead Company Expansion
Wildflyer Mead Company is Navasota’s local meadery, which currently has a retail store located outside of city limits. In 2024, the business looks to move both its production and retail operations to Navasota, redeveloping a warehouse within the city.
"We're busy and we're growing. We're excited to see all the new attention that Navasota is garnering.
— Lupe Diosdado, development services director for the City of Navasota
