New $60 Million Apartment Community Planned at Big Rivers Development in New Caney
A major multifamily housing development has been proposed within the Big Rivers district in New Caney, a project that could add hundreds of new residential units to one of East Montgomery County's most recognizable entertainment destinations.
According to a project registration filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), The Crossing at Big Rivers is planned for construction at 24101 Big Rivers Road in New Caney. The filing identifies the project as a privately funded development consisting of 15 buildings and 342 residential units with an estimated construction value of $60 million.
If constructed as proposed, the project would introduce a significant new residential component to an area that has become a destination for recreation, tourism and entertainment along the rapidly growing U.S. Highway 59 (Interstate 69) and State Highway 242 corridor.
Apartment Development Details
The TDLR filing lists a projected construction start date of February 1, 2027, with completion anticipated by January 31, 2029.
Plans call for multiple three-story residential buildings, a clubhouse, maintenance building and cabana. The filing indicates the project will contain approximately 125,740 square feet of enclosed building space.
The design firm is listed as Investwell Architects, LLC, based in Katy. The owner is identified as Jet Lending LLC, a Houston-based company. The filing lists Eddie Gant as the owner contact.
At this stage, the project appears to be in the planning phase, and development details could evolve as the project advances through permitting and construction processes.
How the Grand Texas Vision Evolved
The proposed apartment community is planned within the broader Big Rivers development area, part of the property that was originally envisioned as the 632-acre Grand Texas Sports and Entertainment District in New Caney.
In December 2017, developers broke ground on Big Rivers Waterpark, which was announced as one of the first major components of the larger Grand Texas project. At the time, plans for Grand Texas included a Texas-themed amusement park, sports facilities, hotels, retail and dining districts, and other attractions intended to create a regional entertainment destination in East Montgomery County.
Master plans released during the project's early years showed several major components, including the Grand Texas Theme Park, Grove Factory Outlets, Grand Texas Sportsplex, Gator Bayou Adventure Park, Big Rivers Waterpark, Speedsportz Racing Park, and the Grand Texas RV Resort.
Over the years, the broader Grand Texas project experienced delays and changes to its original plans. While some elements of the master plan were completed and remain in operation today, others were modified, delayed or were never constructed as originally envisioned.
Today, Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures serves as the largest attraction within the development area, offering water rides, aerial adventure courses, zip lines, fairground-style rides and seasonal events. The property is also home to Speedsportz Racing Park, which was among the first major attractions to open within the Grand Texas development. Located on its own roadway, Speed Street, the approximately 30-acre facility features recreational karting, competitive racing facilities and driver training programs and continues to host events throughout the year.
Residential and Hospitality Development Already Surround the Site
The proposed Crossing at Big Rivers project would not be the first residential or lodging-related development associated with the broader Grand Texas corridor.
Immediately west of Big Rivers is Pinewood at Grand Texas, a master-planned residential community that has added hundreds of homes to the area. Directly south of Big Rivers and Speedsportz Racing Park is the Grand Texas RV Resort, which provides accommodations for visitors and longer-term guests.
Together, Big Rivers Waterpark, Speedsportz Racing Park, Pinewood at Grand Texas and the Grand Texas RV Resort represent several of the major components currently operating within the broader development area. The addition of a 342-unit apartment community would further expand the mix of residential, recreational and hospitality uses that have gradually emerged on the property over the past decade.
For residents of New Caney and East Montgomery County, the proposal represents another sign of continuing growth along the Highway 59 and SH 242 corridors, where housing, entertainment and commercial development continue to reshape the region.
What Happens Next
Because the project has been registered with TDLR, it provides an early indication of development activity being planned for the site. Additional details are likely to emerge through future permitting, engineering and construction filings.
If built according to the current filing, The Crossing at Big Rivers would add 342 apartment units to a district that has steadily evolved from the original Grand Texas concept into a destination that today includes entertainment attractions, lodging accommodations and residential neighborhoods.
As development activity continues across New Caney and East Montgomery County, residents can expect to see ongoing changes throughout the Big Rivers and Grand Texas area in the years ahead.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on development projects, business openings, infrastructure improvements and community growth across New Caney, Montgomery County and the Greater Houston region.
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.