Johnson Development Breaks Ground on 1,500-Acre Master-Planned Community in Fort Bend County
In a landmark move for regional growth and community planning, Johnson Development has broken ground on a 1,500-acre master-planned community in west Fort Bend County. The property, located off FM 2977 at Koeblen Road, was acquired from The George Foundation in 2024 and represents the latest milestone in Johnson Development’s continued expansion in the Houston region.
The first phase of the community will include 270 homes across a mix of 40-, 45-, 50-, and 60-foot homesites. Model homes are projected to open in 2026, with plans for a robust amenity package designed to support connection, recreation, and the distinctive lifestyle that defines Johnson Development neighborhoods.
“This is a historic moment in land development in Fort Bend County and the Houston region,” said Michael Smith, President and CEO of Johnson Development. “We are honored to be chosen to transform this iconic George Ranch farmland into a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.”
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The sale was the first major land transaction for The George Foundation in its 80-year history. The Foundation, which owns approximately 21,000 acres, made the decision in part due to IRS regulations requiring that land be valued at market price when calculating annual charitable distributions. The sale helps generate liquid assets to sustain the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
“This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to supporting the citizens of Fort Bend County,” said Ruthanne Mefford, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The George Foundation. “We are intent on awarding hundreds of millions of dollars to local scholarship recipients and nonprofit partners over the next century, and this transaction will help us realize this dream.”
While the community name and builder lineup are expected to be announced later in 2025, the groundwork for the project reflects the strategic vision of Johnson Development, which currently has nearly 24,000 acres under development in Fort Bend County alone. The timing of this development coincides with ongoing population growth and residential expansion in Fort Bend County, one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. Signature communities in the region include Sienna, Veranda, Harvest Green, Cross Creek Ranch, Jordan Ranch, and Cross Creek West.
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The new Fort Bend County development is expected to attract homebuyers looking for new homes near Richmond, with easy access to Houston, top-rated schools, and a thoughtfully designed environment with built-in greenspace and family-friendly amenities.
As one of the largest residential developers in Texas, Johnson Development continues to shape the future of master-planned living through its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and innovative land use.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
