Katy is predicted by business officials to have a landmark year in development for 2016. From hospital expansions to school systems, Katy has much in store in progression. Below are some of the top developments you should be aware of for 2016.
- Typhoon Texas Opening
This 25-acre, $45 million water park is scheduled to open in May by Katy Mills Mall. The park represents a $50 million capital investment and is projected to yield $5.9 million in revenue over five years. Developers promise the park, which will eventually expand to cover 43 acres, will compete with nationally renowned water parks.
- Katy Mills Boardwalk
Builders will begin to lay out the pieces for a 2.5-mile boardwalk to be located south of Katy Mills Mall in January. The boardwalk is part of a $150 million project that will include living space, retail and restaurant facilities, a hotel and a 55,000-square-foot convention center to be built on 22 acres. Construction for the hotel and convention center are expected to begin sometime this year, and the boardwalk’s accompanying 89-acre nature park should open at year’s end.
- Second KISD Stadium
In April, groundbreaking is planned for Katy Independent School District’s second stadium, located directly across from Rhodes Stadium on Katy Fort Bend Road. The planned $58 million stadium is the largest piece of a $748 million bond issue approved by voters in 2014 and remains controversial in the community because of its price. When completed in time for the 2017 football season, the stadium will have 12,000 seats, a two-story field house, a fine arts plaza and 4,000 parking spaces.
- 3 Schools to Open
The 73,000 student KISD will see the opening of two elementary school and one junior high school in August of 2016. The district’s 38th elementary will open on Westridge Creek Lane, while its 39th elementary will open on East Ventana Parkway. The 14th junior high school will open on Hawks Prairie Boulevard. All projects are part of the $748 million bond issue approved in 2014.
- Young Ranch Homes
By the end of July, the 1,100-acre Young Ranch master-planned residential community in Katy will have a handful of model homes ready and 426 homes to sell. The community eventually will have more than 900 homes for sale ranging from the upper $200,000s to the $800,000s.
- West Houston Methodist Hospital Expansion
Also in January, West Houston Methodist Hospital will start a $570 million expansion to add 100 beds in six new floors while boosting capacity in emergency, surgical and diagnostic care. The move will come on the heels of work last year that saw expansions at Memorial Herman Katy and Texas Children’s Hospital West. The year will see more than $400 million in capital investments of area hospitals and creation of numerous local jobs in healthcare.
- Second Fire Station Opening
The groundbreaking for the city of Katy’s second fire station is scheduled for February, though ongoing weather delays could push the date back. The $5 million bond-funded project will be on Kingsland Boulevard west of Pin Oak Road and will take a year to construct. The groundbreaking will come as the city searches to fill its fire chief position and replace retiring interim chief Rufus Summers.
- New City Hall
For much of the past year, construction has been underway for Katy’s new city hall in the suburb’s downtown, a project costing between $6 million and $7 million that is being paid for with reserve money. The 33,000-square-foot facility will be dedicated at its location on Avenue C in April. The building will open the same month or in May, according to the city.
- Shopping Center Upgrades
The Shoppes at Parkwest, a retail center planned for 40 acres in the northeast section of Interstate 10 and Katy Fort Bend Road, will open in the fall with stores such as Bed, Bath and Beyond and DSW. An expansion will be underway this year at Katy’s LaCenterra shopping center, which is adding 30,000 square feet of office space, as well as more retail establishments. The work, set to begin in April, is expected to be completed by late spring 2017. In December, the Stableside at Falcon Landing is tentatively scheduled to open.