Waller is Wide Open

When a market is growing this fast, there's no substitute for boots on the ground. Yesterday's Developer/Broker bus tour and luncheon, hosted by the Waller EDC, delivered exactly that — real sites, real infrastructure, and direct access to the local team positioned to help move projects from concept to construction.

Joining alongside a couple of developer clients made the experience even more valuable — seeing a market through the eyes of those actively making site decisions is a reminder of how much context matters in CRE. A big thank you to Lynn Spencer, C.M., Economic Development Director for the City of Waller, and her team for organizing such a well-executed event that brought together brokers, developers, and service providers to explore the growing opportunities in this region.
 
The timing couldn't be more relevant. Waller County has earned recognition as the fastest-growing county in Texas and the second fastest-growing in the United States, and the demand for industrial, retail, and commercial development on the ground reflects exactly that. This isn't projected growth. The momentum is already here.

What stood out most was the tone from city leadership. Mayor-Elect Jason Tones was clear: the goal isn't growth at any cost, it's getting it right for both the community and development partners. For architects, developers, and brokers evaluating where to plant their next project, that kind of leadership posture matters. It signals a municipality that understands the value of communication, partnership, and long-term thinking over short-term wins.
 
Panel Insights
The developer/broker panel brought sharp, on-the-ground perspective to the conversation — David Wolff / Wolff Companies, W. Douglass "Doug" Larson / Texas C.R.E.S, Paul Cates / Finishes Solutions, and Shawn Harvey, CPM / Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services.
 
Key takeaways:

• Growth along the 290 corridor is accelerating, with strong fundamentals for retail, industrial, and mixed-use.
• Daytime population and workforce demand are currently driving retail and restaurant opportunities.
• Infrastructure and early planning, especially drainage and utilities, are critical to successful development.
• The north side of 290 is emerging as a major growth corridor, supported by significant residential expansion.

Vision + timing + collaboration — that's what shapes the next great markets. Waller has all three in motion right now. For those in CRE, architecture, and development watching where the next wave of opportunity is building, this region deserves a serious look.

FAQ SECTION:
 
Is Waller County a good market for commercial real estate development? Yes. Waller County is currently the fastest-growing county in Texas and second fastest-growing in the United States, with strong demand for industrial, retail, and mixed-use development — particularly along the 290 corridor where infrastructure investment and residential expansion are accelerating.
 
What types of development opportunities exist along the 290 corridor in Waller? The 290 corridor is seeing demand across industrial, retail, restaurant, and mixed-use categories. Daytime population growth and expanding residential communities on the north side of 290 are the primary demand drivers, with infrastructure capacity making early-stage planning critical for successful projects.
 
Who is the Economic Development contact for the City of Waller? Lynn Spencer, C.M. serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Waller and leads the Waller EDC's efforts to connect developers, brokers, and service providers with available sites and local resources.