Downtown Zoning Approved
The new Downtown Zoning District has been approved. The new downtown zone allows for:
- Mixed-uses of office, retail and residential space
- Building heights up to 70 feet
- 15-foot sidewalk/pedestrian area, includes 4 feet for street amenities and landscaping
- Zero setbacks from some lot lines
- Provisions for shared and off-site parking
Economic Incentive Grant Approved for
60,789-SF, Mixed-Use Development
$9-million project to break ground early 2008
 Based on the City of Friendswood’s Community Economic Development Committee’s (CEDC) recommendation, City Council unanimously approved an economic incentive grant for the development of HomeTown Center by Tony Buzbee, owner of Buzbee Properties, Inc. The grant, the second of its kind to be awarded by the City, reimburses the business up to $100,000 for fees paid to the City relating to the construction and development of the project.
A 60,789-square-foot, mixed-use development, HomeTown Center will be located at 502 South Friendswood Drive, across from the historic Friendswood Friends Church. The three-story building will feature office space and retail uses on the first and second floors, as well as high-end lofts on the third floor. Some of the future tenants include Buzbee Properties, Inc., HomeTown Bank, a coffee shop and a title company.
When complete, the $9-million project will be located on 2.8 acres of land and will provide a positive economic impact on the city, including increasing property tax revenues to the City and Friendswood Independent School District by more than $1.5 million over a 10-year period. In addition, there will be new jobs, including approximately 15 from the bank, coffee shop and the realty/development company.
Groundbreaking is expected to take place first quarter 2008.
“HomeTown Center will be a flagship development for downtown that will help spur and revitalize other properties in the downtown area,” said Karen Capps, City of Friendswood economic development coordinator. “HomeTown Center will be the city’s largest commercial mixed-use building and will provide extensive streetscaping, such as ornamental lighting; wider, paved sidewalks; and benches for pedestrians.”
The City offers continuous assistance to business owners to help them expand or relocate their businesses to the city through a variety of economic development incentives, such as property tax abatement, municipal grant incentives and tax increment financing. For more information on economic development opportunities in Friendswood, call 281-996-3250 or visit www.ci.friendswood.tx.us.
Medical Wellness Center at Friendswood
Breaks Ground
The $4.9-million project is slated for a July 2008 grand opening
Pictured, from left to right, Jamie Ballard, City of Friendswood’s Community Economic Development Committee chair; Karen Capps, City of Friendswood’s economic development coordinator; Dr. Ronald Baden; Scott Smith, Memorial Hermann; Aric Browne, Ethan Christopher LLC; and Thomas Walker, C.A. Walker Construction. |
The Medical Wellness Center at Friendswood, located on 1.6 acres at 1505 E. Winding Way, broke ground on the 28,940-square-foot, two-story facility that will house Dr. Ronald Baden’s Obstetrician/Gynecologist practice and Memorial Hermann Imaging Center. Based on the City of Friendswood’s Community Economic Development Committee’s (CEDC) recommendation, City Council unanimously approved Friendswood’s first economic incentive grant for the expansion of these two businesses.
The imaging center, which will occupy the entire first floor and offer services such as MRIs, digital mammography, ultrasound and CAT scans, along with Dr. Baden’s practice will absorb approximately 60 percent of the building. The additional 9,000 square feet is available for pre-lease.
Friendswood Businesses are Eligible for
Landscape Improvement Grants
The Community Appearance Board (CAB) and the City of Friendswood are partnering with local businesses and Home Owner Associations to offer a Grant Incentive Program to initiate landscape improvement projects within the city.
The CAB supplies cash reimbursement for a landscape improvement project (up to $2,000), and the business matches the contribution. All businesses and HOAs located within the Friendswood city limits are eligible. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2008. For more details, contact the City of Friendswood Community Service Department at 281-996-3220.
Business News
New Businesses:
- Hickory & Oak Smoked Barbecue
- Mustang Grill
- Primerica
- Essential Insurance Group
- A Big Place 4 Little People 2
- Anytime Fitness
- Memorial Hermann Clinic
- UTMB Ophthalmology
- My Physical Fitness
- HEB Carwash
- Korner Klub 4 Kids
Residential Development
Creekside Section II Subdivision
49 lots West Ranch, North of FM 518 at West Blvd.
Jacob’s Landing Subdivision
42 lots end of Wilderness Trail (Wilderness Trail/Greenbriar)
Lakes at San Joaquin Section II Subdivision
66 lots, FM528/San Joaquin Pkwy
Stonecreek Section II Subdivision
51 lots, West Ranch, North of FM 518 at West Blvd.
Windsor Manor Subdivision
4 lots, Castlewood Dr/Sunset Drive
Forsberg Subdivision
2 lots, one existing house – Wilderness Trail/Greenbriar
2007 Residential Building Permits
Month |
New
|
Additions
|
Pools
|
September |
15 |
4 |
8 |
October |
6 |
6 |
4 |
November |
16 |
6 |
13 |
|
|
|
|
| 2007 Total |
278 |
|
|
|
