Jubilee in Hockley Becomes First Texas Community with WELL Certified Homes
A milestone in homebuilding and health-focused community design has taken root in northwest Houston, as 125 homes in the Jubilee community have officially received WELL Residence certifications from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The announcement marks the first time homes in Texas have achieved this distinction — positioning the Hockley development as a statewide trailblazer in wellness-based residential living.
Jubilee, a 1,622-acre master-planned community by Johnson Development located just south of Highway 290, became one of the first adopters of IWBI’s WELL for residential program two years ago. The program sets rigorous global benchmarks for enhancing health and well-being in the places we live — focusing on cleaner air and water, reduced noise, safer building materials, better lighting, and more.
“This WELL certification means that homes aren’t just built — they’re built to promote health with cleaner air and water, safer materials, better light, less noise and increased comfort,” said June Tang, Vice President and General Manager of Jubilee.
The IWBI’s WELL for residential program evaluates homes against more than 100 evidence-based health strategies. These include air and water quality improvements, circadian lighting, sleep optimization, and reduced chemical exposure. It also places emphasis on long-term resilience and mental well-being. Johnson Development was one of just 25 early adopters of the program worldwide.
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“At IWBI, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone achievement as the first batch of Jubilee homes earns the WELL Residence designation — the first in Texas,” said Liz Miles, Vice President of Residential at IWBI. “By embedding health and well-being strategies into these homes from the start, Johnson Development is creating a foundation to scale healthier living across nearly 4,000 homes, benefitting thousands of families.”
Jubilee’s certification journey began with a commitment to integrate the WELL program’s requirements into every home — an approach that differs from the industry norm, where health-focused features are often treated as upgrades. So far, about 250 families have closed on homes in the community, with Johnson Development planning to certify an additional 100 or more homes each year.
“All homes also achieve an Indoor AirPlus rating from the Environmental Protection Agency,” added Tang.
Builders working in Jubilee — including Chesmar Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Newmark Homes, Perry Homes, Tri Pointe Homes, and Westin Homes — are offering health-forward features as standard. These include:
- Reverse-osmosis water filtration systems at the kitchen sink
- MERV 13 media filters and fresh-air intakes
- Circadian rhythm lighting in primary living areas
- A central automation system to manage indoor comfort and air quality
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The community’s emphasis on well-being extends beyond individual homes. Jubilee’s master plan features “wellness zones” — thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage connection, inspiration, exploration, and reflection. These public areas aim to support emotional and physical health for all ages.
“It is our vision that Jubilee sparks joy for residents when they come home,” Tang said. “We want home to be their happy place. And with happiness comes a host of health benefits.”
While the WELL Residence certification reflects third-party verification and not marketing hype, it adds another layer to Jubilee’s growing reputation as a forward-thinking residential destination. Homes in Jubilee are currently priced from the $310,000s, offering access to wellness-minded living in the fast-growing Hockley area, just a few miles from the Grand Parkway.
As health and sustainability continue to gain traction among today’s homebuyers, Jubilee represents one example of how wellness-focused design is being integrated into residential development in the Greater Houston area.
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.
