History of The Woodlands

®
The Woodlands
O
Our Legacy
White-Tailed Deer
We are judged by what we leave behind. In a forest that once yielded timber,
a new town – The Woodlands – now provides a place where people live in
harmony with nature.
The Woodlands
®
S
Since its formal opening on October 19, 1974,
The Woodlands has emerged from fledgling
outpost to thriving community where
people live, work, play and learn. As many
as four generations of the same family call
The Woodlands
®
The Woodlands home.
Eastern Cottontail
The most common
rabbit species in Texas
is the Eastern cottontail.
Cottontails feed at night on
a variety of green plants,
barks, buds, and grasses.
Even though they serve
as prime prey for many
predators, cottontails
thrive because they are
swift-moving and can jump
distances of up to eight feet
at a time when pursued.
The Woodlands’ roster of accomplishments is long.
Yet, the forest remains. Lush stands of trees line major roadways, leading one visiting architect to call The Woodlands “the
Nine residential villages. The Woodlands Town Center
invisible city.” More species of birds thrive in The Woodlands now than when the land was just a forest. Over the years,
and The Woodlands Waterway®, a regional focus
nearly one million tree seedlings have been given away at Arbor Day festivals and planted to enrich the community’s
for business, entertainment and culture. Public and
forested beauty. Today, nearly 7,000 of the total 28,400 acres of land remain open space.
private education from pre-school to post graduate. A
welcoming array of recreational options: hike and bike
In this brochure, you can read more about the milestones of growth in The Woodlands and the list of major awards for
paths, parks, pools and Signature golf courses. Places
excellence in development. Today, The Woodlands is home to thousands of people. It is a legacy that is rich and offers great
of worship of virtually every denomination. Medical
promise for the future.
campuses and world-class resorts.
1964
George P. Mitchell made the first purchase of
land that was to become part of The Woodlands.
LATE
1960s
1
1974
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3
4
The 1960s and 1970s
LATE
1960s
“Developing in harmony with nature” concept was established. Diagram shows the unique community
development structure - 1
1971
Lamar Elementary was the first school to open.
1972
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided $50 million in loan guarantees.
1974
The Woodlands formally opened in the Village of Grogan’s Mill.
Billboard advertising The Woodlands Grand Opening in October - 2
Construction of The Woodlands Inn and Conference Center - 3
Cynthia Woods Mitchell, wife of The Woodlands’ founder George P. Mitchell, cut the Grand Opening ribbon
on October 19, 1974 with the help of Jim Rush, then Vice President of Marketing. - 4
1975
Interfaith of The Woodlands was established.
The first birthday of The Woodlands was celebrated. - 5
1976
McCullough, the first high school in The Woodlands opened.
1977
The second village, Panther Creek, was developed.
1978
1979
A worker puts the finishing touches on the sign for Jamail’s, the community’s first supermarket that opened in
The Wharf in 1978. - 6
Skaters at The Ice Rink in The Wharf in the late 1970s - 7
George P. Mitchell positioned a time capsule as part of the groundbreaking for Mitchell Energy and Development
Corp.’s headquarters in The Woodlands. - 8
1975
1978
5
6
1979
7
8
The 1980s
Construction began on The Woodlands’ first bank.
1982
The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) was announced.
The Research Forest was established to accommodate high-tech spin-off companies from the Texas Medical Center. - 9
The first Lighting of the Doves Ceremony, heralding the start of the holiday season, was held in Grogan’s Mill. - 10
1983
Investment by all parties in The Woodlands reached the $1 billion milestone.
Ed Lee, then President of The Woodlands Corporation, presided over the Grand Opening of the Village of
Cochran’s Crossing, along with members of the Cochran family. - 11
Development began in the fourth village, Indian Springs.
1984
The Tournament Players Course in The Woodlands was announced.
1986
The South Montgomery County YMCA opened its first branch in The Woodlands.
“Children at Play”, a sculpture by Clement Renzi, was unveiled at th Grand Opening of the Panther Creek
Village Center. - 12
Harmony Bridge opened on Kuykendahl Road to connect Montgomery and Harris counties.
The “Olympic Festival” was held throughout the community. - 15
1985
The Woodlands Hospital, the first hospital in the community opened. It is now Memorial Hermann
The Woodlands Hospital. - 13
1987
The Hardy Toll Road opened providing commuters an alternative to I-45.
A Tug of War was one of the highlights of “The Last Annual Bottom of the Lake Festival”. - 14
1988
The John Cooper School opened.
1989
Golfing legend Arnold Palmer teed off to the delight of members of “Arnie’s Army” to celebrate opening of the
course he designed for The Woodlands Country Club. - 16
The Woodlands celebrated its 15th birthday. Residents, including founder George Mitchell, put their handprints
in cement for posterity.
1982
9
1985
1980
1983
10
11
The “Last Annual Bottom of the
Lake Festival” was celebrated to
commemorate the completion of
Lake Woodlands.
1985
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13
14
1986
1989
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16
The 1990s
1990 Frank Sinatra was the opening act at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. - 17
The Woodlands first attained its #1 ranking in new home sales in Texas.
1991 Hughes Tool Company moved its world headquarters to The Woodlands.
1992 Original $50 million HUD debentures were retired.
1993 The Woodlands Town Center was announced.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Montgomery College in The Woodlands. - 18
1994 Roger Galatas, then President of The Woodlands Development Company, presided over the ribbon-cutting for
the new Village of Alden Bridge, named after his hometown in Louisiana. - 19
1994 Population of The Woodlands topped 40,000.
Thousands of balloons were dropped at the Grand Opening of The Woodlands Mall. - 20
The Woodlands was presented the Urban Land Institute’s Award of Excellence.
George H.W. Bush visited The John Cooper School for its first graduation. - 21
1995 Montgomery College opened in The Woodlands.
1996 The Woodlands High School opened in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing.
1997 The University Center opened its new building in The Woodlands.
A partnership of Crescent Real Estate Equities and Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund II acquired The Woodlands
from original and founding owner, Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.
1999 “The Light in the Forest”, a light show atop Town Center Two, was part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. - 22
The original 25 Hometown Heroes were selected and honored. - 23
A new home was given away during the 25th Anniversary Celebration. - 24
Development began for the Village of Sterling Ridge, named to commemorate The Woodlands’ 25th Anniversary.
1990
17
1993
18
1990
Cynthia Woods Mitchell unveiled a rendering
of The Pavilion that bears her name.
1994
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20
1999
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2004
The 2000s
2000
2001
Resident diver Laura Wilkinson was honored by The Woodlands for winning the Gold Medal
at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.- 25
The first homesite was sold in Carlton Woods, The Woodlands’ premier gated community. - 26
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course opened in Carlton Woods.
Michael Richmond, then President of The Woodlands Development Company, and Jack Nicklaus at a special
members’ event commemorating the opening of the Nicklaus course in Carlton Woods - 27
2002
2003
2004
Harper’s Landing, a large residential neighborhood in the Village of College Park, opened with a party at the new
pool and sprayground. - 28
Gary Player taught a golf clinic at the opening of the course that bears his name in the Village of Sterling Ridge.- 29
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center opened with a New Year’s Eve Community
Open House. - 30
First urban residences, The Woodlands Waterway Lofts, opened on The Woodlands Waterway®. - 31
St. Luke’s Community Medical Center opened in The Woodlands.
The Rouse Company acquired Crescent Real Estate Equities’ interest in The Woodlands.
Grand opening was held for the outdoor expansion of The Woodlands Mall at The Woodlands Waterway®.
Market Street, a 34-acre shopping, dining and event venue opened. - 32
The second YMCA opened in the Village of Sterling Ridge.
The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library opened in the Village of Sterling Ridge.
The Rouse Company’s interest in The Woodlands was acquired by General Growth Properties.
2000
25
2001
26
The Woodlands Waterway®
opened and water taxi service began.
2002
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28
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30
2003
2004
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2007
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
The Woodlands’ 9th village, Creekside
Park, opened on October 19, 2007,
the 33rd Birthday of The Woodlands.
2005
2006
2008
33
34
35
The first homes were available for sale in East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center. - 33
Population exceeded 80,000.
The Woodlands College Park High School opened.
The first lots were available in Carlton Woods Creekside, the 500-acre expansion of Carlton Woods.
Tom Fazio Championship Course opened in Carlton Woods Creekside - 34
Trolley service began in The Woodlands Town Center.
A “Turkey Trot” marked the November opening of May Valley, a 400-acre neighborhood in the Village of Sterling
Ridge. - 35
The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center opened in the Village of Creekside Park.- 36
The new facility for recreational kayaking, Riva Row Park & Boat House, opened on The Woodlands Waterway®. - 37
A tea ceremony was held to commemorate the opening of the Koi Garden on The Woodlands Waterway®. - 38
Creekside Forest K-6 School, part of the Tomball ISD, was the first public school to open in the Village of
Creekside Park.
Population exceeded 90,000.
Alex Sutton and Tim Welbes, Co-Presidents of The Woodlands Development Company, joined in a ceremonial coin toss
marking the official dedication of The Fountains at Waterway Square. - 39
Waterway Square, with its spectacular multiple water features, was officially dedicated in The Woodlands
Town Center. This event began the development of The Woodlands Waterway Square District. - 40
2009
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37
38
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40
2010
2011
On January 1, services and operations of the Community Associations of The Woodlands fully transitioned to
The Woodlands Township.
The Outdoor Adventure Center opened at the new Creekside YMCA, the third YMCA branch to open in
The Woodlands. - 41
The Grand Opening of Timarron, a new 240-acre neighborhood in the Village of Creekside Park west of
Kuykendahl Road - 42
In January, General Growth Properties’ share in The Woodlands was acquired by The Howard Hughes Corporation,
and in July, The Howard Hughes Corporation acquired Morgan Stanley Real Estate’s interest in The Woodlands.
The 35th Anniversary of Arbor Day was celebrated at Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park. - 43
Population exceeded 100,000.
New spraygrounds opened in Timarron Park in the Village of Creekside Park and May Valley Park in the Village of
Sterling Ridge. - 44
2010
41
2011
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Awards
Recognitions
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2010 Outstanding Park/Facility Design Award presented by Southwest Region of the National Recreation and Park Association
for design of the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in the Village of Creekside Park
Master Planned Community of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for overall planning and
design of The Woodlands
Landscape Design of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for natural and created landscape design
in the neighborhood of East Shore
2009 Landmark Award for Best Office Project presented by the Houston Business Journal for development of
24 Waterway Avenue office/retail building in The Woodlands Town Center
Environmental Planning Award presented by American Planning Association, Texas Chapter Houston Section
for outstanding contribution to planning in the Greater Houston area
2009 Recreation Facility Award presented by Texas Recreation and Park Society for the design of the Rob Fleming Aquatic
Center in the Village of Creekside Park
Park Design Excellence Award presented by Texas Recreation and Park Society for the design of The Fountains
at Waterway Square
Maintenance Award presented by Texas Recreation and Park Society for superior maintenance standards and practices,
including creative approaches to problem solving and innovative means of maintaining parks and recreation facilities
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary – The Club at Carlton Woods Creekside presented by Audubon
Cooperative Sanctuary System for maintaining a high degree of environmental commitment on the Tom Fazio
Championship golf course
2008 Corporate Conservation Leadership Award presented by the Nature Conservancy of Texas for development of the
1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve in the Village of Creekside Park, and sensitivity to the environment in the
overall development of The Woodlands community
Silver Spur Award presented by Texas Public Relations Association for producing the Grand Opening of the Village
of Creekside Park
Grand Award for Advertising – Developer Category presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for overall
excellence in marketing (also in 2005, 2002, 2001)
Tree Preservation Award presented by The Park People for preserving 6,000 acres, or 25% of the developed land of the
community, plus creating 162 miles of hike and bike trails connecting 110 parks
2007 Community of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for sensitivity to natural and created
environments, design appeal and landscaping design (also in 2006 and 2003)
East Shore
The Garden District of
The Woodlands Town Center
2007 Humanitarian of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for contributions to the community through
its “Good Neighbors Community Partnership Program” (also in 2003)
2005 Honor Award presented by the American Institute of Architects for design of The Woodlands Waterway®
2004 Environmental Impact Award presented by the North Houston Association for preserving and protecting the
environment in South Montgomery County
2004 Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary – The Club at Carlton Woods presented by the Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary System for maintaining a high degree of environmental commitment on the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course
Citation Award presented by the American Institute of Architects for design of the Waterway Avenue Bridge
2003 Landmark Award – Best Multiuse Project Sale presented by the Houston Business Journal for the Rouse Company’s
acquisition of Crescent Real Estate Equities’ interest in The Woodlands
Landmark Award – Best Medical Project presented by the Houston Business Journal for the completion of St. Luke’s
Community Medical Center-The Woodlands
Nations in Bloom Gold Award presented by the international Nations in Bloom Competition (The Netherlands)
for environmental practices in this international competition, vying against 274 cities throughout the world
Nations in Bloom Second Place Overall Award presented by the international Nations in Bloom Competition
(The Netherlands) for providing a vibrant, environmentally sustainable community that improves the quality of life
ASLA Texas Chapter Honor Award presented by American Society of Landscape Architects, Texas Chapter
for excellence in the design of The Woodlands’ main entrance
2002 Commercial Award presented by Texas Recreation & Parks Society for excellence in the development of parks
and recreation in The Woodlands
Landmark Award – Best Corporate Move presented by the Houston Business Journal for CB&I – recognized as a
commercial real estate project that makes a significant impression on the Houston landscape
1999 Developer of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for excellence in developing a
master planned community
1997 Environmental Achievement Award presented by Texas Association of Nurserymen for excelling in endeavors to preserve,
enhance, maintain and beautify the environment
1994 Award of Excellence in Special Development presented by the Urban Land Institute for superior design, relevance to
contemporary issues, and resourceful use of land while improving the quality of the environment
1993 FIABCI Prix D’Excellence World Premier Real Estate Award presented by FIABCI for all-around excellence as a
world-premier community
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway
An annual tradition
since 1977
1991 Texas Urban Forestry Award presented by Texas Forest Service & Texas Urban Forestry Council for building a
community in the forest
1991 Beautification Award presented by the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for design appeal of
Venture Tech III office complex
The Legacy Award presented by the Houston Business Journal for planning, design and construction of
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
1990 Harris B. Lieberman “Developer of the Year Award” presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for overall
development of The Woodlands community
Texas Urban Forestry Award presented by Texas Forest Service & Texas Urban Forestry Council for building a community
in the forest
1989 Urban Forestry Award presented by Greater Houston Galveston Urban Forestry Council for The Woodlands’ annual
Arbor Day Celebration
The Lorax Award presented by Lorax Award for Business for George Mitchell’s significant contributions to global
sustainable development
1986 Award of Distinguished Achievement presented by The Houston Chapter of The American Institute of Architects for
overall planning of The Woodlands and for integrating an entire community with the natural green enveloping environs
1984 Award of Distinguished Achievement presented by The Houston Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
for development of Shadow Bend Park and Shadow Lake, and outstanding contributions to the environment by the nurture
of nature in a residential neighborhood
1983 Developer Merchandising of the Year presented by Greater Houston Builders Association for natural and created
environments, landscape design, and appeal of The Woodlands
1981 Award of Distinguished Achievement presented by The Houston Chapter of The American Institute of Architects for
outstanding contribution to the environment and new town natural landscaping
Award of Distinguished Achievement presented by The Houston Chapter of The American Institute of Architects for the
refreshing display of water in landscaping design throughout The Woodlands
1978 Environment in Commercial presented by American Industrial Properties for promoting sound environmental planning in
the industrial/office park field
1975 Community Quality of Life Award presented by The Environmental Monthly for creating quality of life in The Woodlands
community
1974 Annual Environment Honor Award presented by The Environmental Monthly for land use throughout The Woodlands
Better Environmental Award presented by the American Society of Landscape Architects for landscape design
Design Award presented by Sixth Annual Biennial HUD Awards for design of The Woodlands community
The Dreamer by David Phelps
One of more than 50 pieces of
public art in The Woodlands
Greenspace
GREENSPACE (AT BUILD-OUT)
Designing with Nature
Even though the land use plan for The Woodlands was created in the late 1960s and early
1970s, it continues to guide development, thanks to its fundamental correctness and flexibility
to accommodate market trends. The original plan utilized the expertise of notables like Ian
McHarg, author of Design with Nature, William Pereira, Gladstone Associates and others,
including Robert Hartsfield, an architect with experience in urban planning and environmental
protection.
Ultimately, nearly 8,000 acres, or 28 percent, of The Woodlands will remain greenspace including
forest preserves, greenbelts, golf courses, parks and other recreational amenities.
Golf Courses
1,690 acres
Forest Preserves
1,900 acres
Open Space
4,200 acres
Total Greenspace
7,790 acres
Pathways
Parks (only larger parks are shown on map)
THE VILLAGES
Grogan’s Mill
Panther Creek
A Work in Progress
The Woodlands is a dynamic community, one that will never be “truly” finished. Already, some of
the early neighborhoods have evolved from enclaves of family homes to neighborhoods for empty
nesters and back to areas “discovered” by new waves of young families with children.
Cochran’s Crossing
Indian Springs
Alden Bridge
College Park
Sterling Ridge
More than 1,700 businesses, including headquarters of major corporations, are based in The
Woodlands. The collection of public art continues to grow. Trolleys and Waterway cruisers
move quietly along The Woodlands Waterway® in a place where teams of mules once dragged
logs toward a sawmill. An unparalleled choice of recreational facilities continues to evolve with
outstanding new parks and regional greenspaces like the George Mitchell Nature Preserve and
Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands’ newest village, Creekside Park.
With a solid infrastructure for services and governance, the community is well equipped to
grow, and to accommodate the inevitable changes brought about by that growth. The Woodlands
continues to be a place where natural and manmade environments co-exist in harmony. And still
there is the beautiful forested setting, enhanced each year in nature’s own timeless way, and nurtured
by residents of The Woodlands.
Creekside Park
Carlton Woods
The Research Forest
The Town Center
205 miles
135
Map
®
The Woodlands
Red Fox
Red foxes live in family groups
sharing a joint territory
across the entire northern
hemisphere. Kits, baby foxes,
are born blind, deaf and
toothless, with dark brown
fluffy fur. Mothers remain with
the kits for 2–3 weeks, during
which the fathers, or barren
vixens, feed the mothers. If the
mother dies before the kits are
independent, the father takes
over as their provider.
On the cover: The white-tailed
deer can be found in wooded
areas in southern Canada
and most of the United States,
including The Woodlands.
When alarmed, it may stomp
its hooves and snort to warn
other deer. It may also “flag”
or raise its tail and show its
white underside. When a
mother deer is running, this
white underside can help her
fawns follow her.
Homes within The Woodlands are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC)
or any of its affiliates, companies or partnerships. Neither TWDC nor any of its affiliated companies or partnerships guarantees or warrants
the obligations of, or construction by, such builders. Prices and specifications subject to change. Membership fees may be required. 6/12