Johnson Development Celebrates 50 Years of Transforming Communities
Fifty years ago, Larry Johnson took a bold step into the real estate development industry, helping shape the landscape of Houston with thoughtfully designed master-planned communities that have redefined suburban living, establishing Johnson Development Corp. with a vision to create thriving communities. While he aimed for success, few could have predicted that his namesake company would grow into one of the nation’s most influential residential developers. Today, Johnson Development has transformed over 45,000 acres into dynamic communities, encompassing more than 60,000 residential units and contributing to a taxable base worth tens of billions of dollars.
Early Beginnings: Laying the Foundation for Success
In its formative years, Johnson Development worked on projects from coast to coast, including Towne Lake Hills in Atlanta, Steeplechase in Houston, and Las Colinas at Rialto in Los Angeles. However, Houston quickly became the company’s primary focus. The strategic acquisition of land in Missouri City, Sugar Land’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), and Pearland set the stage for transformative growth.
The company’s Silverlake development in Pearland emerged as a turning point, rapidly becoming the second best-selling community in Houston and solidifying Pearland’s status as a desirable residential destination. The 10,800-acre Sienna in Missouri City and the 3,700-acre Riverstone in Sugar Land’s ETJ further elevated Johnson Development’s reputation. Both communities ranked among the nation’s top-selling developments, with Riverstone holding its position for eight consecutive years from 2011 to 2018 and Sienna maintaining its status almost continuously since 2009.
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A Legacy of Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities
Over the years, Johnson Development has consistently placed more communities on national top-selling lists than any other developer. Some of its standout communities include Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear, established in 2011, Woodforest in Montgomery, which debuted in 2012, and Harvest Green in Richmond, a thriving development since 2017. Harmony in Spring and Viridian in Arlington both joined the ranks in 2018, while Trinity Falls in McKinney made the list in 2020.
Most recently, Jordan Ranch in Fulshear became a top-selling community in 2023. Today, Johnson Development continues to shape Greater Houston’s real estate landscape with projects like the recently launched Grange in Katy.
Beyond Development: Creating Communities that Celebrate Life
Larry Johnson’s vision extended beyond building houses—he aimed to create vibrant communities. His philosophy was simple yet profound:
“We try to create a community where [residents] have a great lifestyle, their kids are active, they’re active in our community. All of our communities are heavily amenitized, we have lifestyle directors who create continuous activity for residents, and they get to know each other and it really becomes a community.”
This commitment to lifestyle-oriented development has earned Johnson Development numerous accolades, including multiple Developer of the Year awards from the Texas Association of Builders, the Greater Houston Builders Association, the Dallas Builders Association, and the Greater Home Builders Association of Austin.
Larry Johnson, far left, during the earlier days of Johnson Development Corp. (Source: Johnson Development Corp.)A Top Workplace with a Heart for Giving Back
Johnson Development is not just a leader in real estate—it is also a recognized top workplace. Employees often stay for decades, a testament to the company’s strong culture and commitment to its workforce. The organization has earned multiple distinctions, including Top Workplace, Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, and Best Place for Working Parents.
Larry Johnson’s belief in community extended beyond his developments. He was a passionate philanthropist, serving as a lifetime director of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, a member of the University of Texas Health Science Center Development Board, and a Texas Tech Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. His contributions culminated in the 2024 naming of the Larry D. Johnson Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
Following his example, Johnson Development employees and communities have actively engaged in charitable initiatives, raising millions through the Community Foundation Committees since 1999. These funds have supported playground enhancements, classroom technology, museums, parks, and families in need.
A Developer of Choice for Landowners
With a reputation for responsible, lifestyle-centered development, Johnson Development has become the preferred choice for landowners. Notable acquisitions include:
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2,083-acre former Camp Strake (purchased in 2013 from the Boy Scouts of America’s Sam Houston Area Council)
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1,500-acre land purchase from The George Foundation (2024)
Both organizations were intentional about selecting Johnson Development, knowing the company would steward their land with care and vision.
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Honoring Larry Johnson’s Legacy
Considered a visionary who shaped master-planned community development in Houston and beyond, Larry D. Johnson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife, Suzie, and loving family. He was 81 years old. His contributions to the real estate industry and philanthropic efforts left an indelible mark on the Greater Houston area and beyond. His leadership and dedication to community-building continue to inspire those who now carry his vision forward.
Today, Michael Smith serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development, guiding the company into its next era of growth. The leadership team also includes Larry Johnson’s daughters, Jennifer Johnson, Vice President of Commercial Sales, and Christen Johnson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, both of whom play integral roles in continuing their father’s legacy.
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
Reflecting on his career, Larry Johnson once said, “I was very fortunate, I just happened on to the real estate business. I didn’t know what it was… I just happened into it, and it was something I liked and loved from the very beginning.”
As Johnson Development enters its next half-century, his passion continues to drive the company forward. With a legacy built on innovation, community, and responsible development, Johnson Development remains at the forefront of real estate, shaping the future of master-planned communities across the country.
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.
