The Grand at 249 Accelerates Construction as Major Retailers Prepare to Expand Into Tomball Corridor
The next phase of The Grand at 249 is now taking shape in northwest Houston, where Houston-based developer NewQuest has launched construction on more than 163,000 square feet of junior anchor retail space at one of the region’s most closely watched commercial intersections.
Located at the interchange of TX 99/Grand Parkway and TX 249/Tomball Tollway, the expanding development is expected to bring a wave of new shopping, dining and service options to Tomball residents and nearby communities including Magnolia, Cypress and Spring. For families already navigating rapid residential growth in the area, the project represents more than another retail center — it signals how quickly the northwest Houston corridor is evolving into a major regional destination.
The newest construction phase at The Grand at 249 will include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, Dollar Tree, Cavender’s, Petco, Sephora, Bath & Body Works and Milano’s Nails. Together, the junior anchor tenants will occupy 163,456 square feet in the center of the larger $90 million development.
“We're super excited about this development opportunity at such a prominent and important regional site,” said Andrew Alvis, senior vice president and development partner at NewQuest.
Retail Growth Reflects Rapid Population Expansion in Tomball Area
The Grand at 249 sits within Tomball city limits and serves a rapidly expanding trade area where residential construction has steadily intensified over the past several years. According to NewQuest, more than 164,000 residents now live within five miles of the development site, with average household incomes reaching approximately $148,000 annually.
That growth has created increasing demand for retail, dining and entertainment options closer to home — particularly along the Grand Parkway corridor, where master-planned communities continue to emerge.
NewQuest said preleasing activity has already reduced available retail space at the development to only a few small storefronts, while all 12 pad sites have been fully leased.
“We've been highly selective about the tenancy in The Grand at 249,” Alvis said. “With limited retail in this corridor, it's critical to curate the right mix of tenants that align with the area's demographics and long-term growth.”
The broader project includes approximately 450,000 square feet of class A retail and restaurant space designed to serve both local residents and commuters traveling through one of the busiest highway interchanges in the region.
More Construction Ahead at The Grand at 249
In addition to the junior anchor space, construction is also underway on a 167,990-square-foot wholesale club, along with three multi-tenant retail buildings totaling more than 28,000 square feet.
Crews are also expected to soon begin work on standalone buildings for Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Wendy’s on freeway-fronting parcels within the development.
Meanwhile, Bruster’s Ice Cream is anticipated to open within the next one to two months, while Chick-fil-A is expected to open later this year.
NewQuest plans to deliver the junior anchor spaces to tenants for interior finish-out in March 2027, with store openings tentatively planned for the second quarter of 2027.
A Long-Term Vision Decades in the Making
For NewQuest, the rapid progress at The Grand at 249 reflects years of planning and patience.
The company originally acquired the site in the early 1990s, well before construction of the Grand Parkway transformed mobility and development patterns across the region. Today, NewQuest controls 78 acres spanning two highly visible corners near the interchange flyovers, with current construction concentrated on 65 acres at the southwest corner.
The development also sits adjacent to a 240-acre class A industrial project, further positioning the corridor as a growing employment and commercial hub for northwest Harris County.
“We've been waiting a long time to bring this project to life,” Alvis said. “It's incredibly rewarding to see it finally come to fruition – and at such an accelerated pace.”
What Happens Next for Residents and Businesses
As construction activity intensifies over the next two years, residents can expect continued traffic changes, visible vertical development and additional tenant announcements across the remaining retail spaces.
For homeowners, real estate professionals and local business leaders, projects like The Grand at 249 continue to reflect broader economic confidence in Tomball and the surrounding northwest Houston market. The influx of nationally recognized retailers and restaurants may also reduce the need for residents to travel farther south for major shopping destinations, while potentially increasing convenience and long-term commercial value across the corridor.
With retail demand remaining strong and residential rooftops continuing to rise nearby, The Grand at 249 appears positioned to become one of the defining commercial centers along the Grand Parkway in northwest Houston.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continuing updates on retail openings, construction progress and major developments shaping the Tomball 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.