Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories across the Greater Houston area from May 11-15.
1. NewQuest starts construction on new retail space at The Grand at 249 in Tomball
NewQuest is moving ahead on a piece of The Grand at 249, a $90 million retail development planned near the intersection of Hwy. 249 and the Grand Parkway in Tomball.
The Houston-based commercial real estate firm has started construction on 163,456 square feet of junior anchor space at the development, according to a May 11 news release from NewQuest.
The new space will house several major retailers, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ross Dress for Less, Burlington, Dollar Tree, Cavender’s, Petco, Sephora, Bath & Body Works and Milano Nails.
Read all about it with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.
2. Parisina fabric store opens in The Woodlands area at former Joann location
The fabric store Parisina opened May 11 in The Woodlands area in the former Joann location on I-45, an employee said.
The store offers fabric cut by the yard in a variety of materials such as satin, cotton and velvet. It also offers some pre-cut fabrics and an assortment of other items for the home and craft materials such as yarn and art supplies.
Read the full story by Editor Vanessa Holt.
3. Magnolia ISD OKs construction managers-at-risk for bond projects, land purchase for new high school
Magnolia ISD’s board of trustees voted at its May 12 meeting to hire Stewart Builders Inc. and B&C Constructors LP as the construction managers-at-risk for the district’s 2026 bond projects.
Following voters’ approval of MISD’s bond at the May 2 election, the board was required to choose a delivery method for all projects valued at $50,000 or more in keeping with Government Code 2269.
Executive Director of Facilities Tim Bruner recommended the construction manager-at-risk delivery method, which the board unanimously voted for, for the following 2026 bond program projects:
- Elementary School No. 10, opening in 2028 at a cost of $53.9 million
- Elementary School No. 11, opening in 2029 at a cost of $57.7 million
- High School No. 3, opening in 2030 at a cost of $304.7 million
- Magnolia and Magnolia West high school additions
Explore the full article by Reporter Bradley Dountz.
4. Houston highlights security, transit preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As Houston prepares to see the first of seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, said the city is ready for the influx of visitors expected during the tournament beginning June 14.
“As the event approaches and excitement builds, we’re here to report that Houston is ready,” Canetti said during a May 11 news conference. “Houston was awarded host city status four years ago in June of 2022, and since then, a coordinated planning effort has taken place amongst dozens of local stakeholders.”
On May 11, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee held a media briefing offering key updates on the region’s preparation for the tournament.
Follow along with Reporter Jovanna Aguilar.
5. Potbelly now serving toasted sandwiches in Conroe
Per a May 12 news release, Potbelly soft-opened a new location in Conroe on April 28 and plans to hold a grand opening event on May 16.
The new location is locally owned and operated by Ralph Baig and Omair Farooqui. Baig is an existing Potbelly franchise partner with more than 25 years in the restaurant industry, while Farooqui has extensive experience in commercial development and franchise food service operation, according to the release.
“There is incredible growth happening in this region right now, and we saw a real opportunity to magnify the Potbelly presence here,” said Baig.
Continue reading the story by Reporter Jovanna Aguilar.