Texas Heritage Marketplace Brings Green Space and Local Dining to West Katy Growth Corridor
West Katy’s growth story is taking a green turn as NewQuest advances its Texas Heritage Marketplace project, an 800,000-square-foot regional development in Waller County. Anchored by four major national retailers, the 165-acre mixed-use destination is being designed with community at its heart: nearly five acres of welcoming green space surrounded by dining, fitness, and retail.
Located at the southeast junction of Interstate 10 and Texas Heritage Parkway, the development is strategically positioned near multiple master-planned communities. This location, described by commercial real estate experts as a “first in, last out intersection,” is intended to serve as a central gathering point for residents of Katy’s rapidly expanding west side.
The green space is already attracting a curated selection of tenants. Escalante’s Tex-Mex Restaurant (5,005 square feet), Tony C’s (4,900 square feet), Aji Izakaya (2,800 square feet), and Kilwin’s (1,400 square feet) have signed on as the first businesses to surround the park-like amenity. Negotiations with additional top-tier retailers and restaurants are underway.
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“We’re being highly selective about the tenants who will co-exist in the green space. They ultimately share a common bond, which is to encourage people to stay longer and return frequently,” said David Meyers, managing director of leasing and development partner for Houston-based NewQuest.
The green space, situated between two anchors—Target and EoS Fitness—will be enhanced with a large Heritage oak tree rescued from highway construction, a water feature, and native plantings. It will be encircled by 39,811 square feet of premium retail, half of which is already committed or under negotiation.
“We want to raise the bar on green space concepts. We envision a mix of inviting dining concepts and spa- or fitness-related brands to play off the entire project’s lifestyle component,” explained Bob Conwell, NewQuest senior vice president leading the preleasing strategy.
The early tenant lineup reflects that vision. Escalante’s, a locally owned Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its scratch-made dishes, will open its eighth Greater Houston location at the site. Tony C’s, an Austin-based pizza and beer garden with a Boston sports heritage, is also joining, along with Japanese-inspired Aji Izakaya and Kilwin’s, known for its handcrafted sweets.
“Signing Escalante’s is a badge of honor for Texas Heritage Marketplace’s green space. It’s well-known that the upscale restaurateur is very selective about its locations,” Conwell noted. He added, “Aji Izakaya and Kilwin’s are equally well-known brands in the market and both are expanding. We’re starting with four strong attractions as place-makers for the green space.”
When fully built, the development will include four national anchors expected to generate more than four million visits annually, a 50,000-square-foot medical facility with expansion potential to 70,000 square feet, and at least 500 high-end multifamily units. Target, one of the major anchors, is slated to open in October 2026.
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“It’s rare to see a project of this magnitude being built today,” Conwell said. “Once construction is fully underway, meaning walls are going up, the market’s anticipation will really start to take off.”
For West Katy residents, the project represents more than retail growth—it’s a new focal point for community gatherings and lifestyle amenities. As the green space begins to take shape, it sets the tone for what developers say will be a destination encouraging people to linger, connect, and return often.
Stay tuned with My Neighborhood News for continued updates on Texas Heritage Marketplace and other key developments shaping the West Katy community.
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.
