Houston is a city that thrives on transformation, and 2025 promises to be no exception. From groundbreaking developments redefining sustainability to multi-use destinations enhancing urban walkability, Houston’s skyline and neighborhoods are set for exciting changes. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated developments shaping the city in the years to come.   Tony Marron Park  The revitalization of Tony Marron Park is at the heart of the $310 million Buffalo Bayou East project that will extend the park into Houston’s East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. The plans for Tony Marron Park include nearly doubling the park’s size, growing it from 19 acres to 40. As a central hub for Buffalo Bayou East, the redesigned park will feature sprawling lawns, civic spaces with soccer fields, vibrant public art, a multi-age play area, an interactive water playscape, a barbecue pavilion with a picnic grove and more. Construction is set to begin as the park closes this month.  Click to expand One Bridgeland Green  One Bridgeland Green is a key feature of Bridgeland’s Village Green at Bridgeland Central, a mixed-use development located within the 925-acre master-planned community in Cypress. This innovative project will be the region’s first mass timber office building, designed to significantly reduce environmental impact by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and lowering annual water consumption by 80 percent. The development is on track for completion this summer.     Click to expand GreenStreet  GreenStreet, the four-block mixed-use district in downtown managed by Texas-based real estate firm Rebees, is slated for a multimillion-dollar makeover. Planned updates include converting the former Forever 21 building into a pedestrian-friendly alleyway filled with dining, retail and nightlife attractions. Additional enhancements feature the installation of rooftop solar panels, improved landscaping with lush gardens and upgraded office spaces with multi-level amenities. Phase one of construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025 and be completed by Q3.  Click to expand Swift Building  The former Swift and Co. building, located in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, is set to be transformed into a 4.47-acre mixed-use development. The new Swift Building will encompass over 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail, office and restaurant space, all overlooking the popular Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail nearby. The project is set to be completed this year.   Park Eight Place  The former Halliburton campus in the Westchase District is set to be transformed into Park Eight Place, a walkable, 70-acre mixed-use destination. The $1 billion project will feature a mix of residential, retail, hotel and office space with access to nature and recreational amenities in the adjacent 200-acre Arthur Storey Park. Construction on roads and utilities is scheduled to begin this year.  Click to expand More Space: Main Street 2.0  The More Space: Main Street 2.0 project aims to increase Houston’s walkability by transforming seven blocks in downtown into a pedestrian-friendly destination. The project will extend Main Street from Commerce to Rusk and add four additional blocks from Rusk to Allen’s Landing, bringing the area to span a total of 11 blocks. This expansion will permanently block off traffic to the area, creating a promenade where people can safely eat, shop and gather. Construction is scheduled to start this year and expected to finish ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.  Click to expand San Jacinto Marketplace  The former San Jacinto Mall in Baytown is getting a makeover. The 105-acre project, dubbed San Jacinto Marketplace, will include 500,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a public green space. Pedestrian walkways will also be constructed to connect key areas throughout the marketplace, enhancing accessibility and walkability. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed next year.   Ritz-Carlton Residences  The Ritz-Carlton Residences, the first stand-alone of its kind in Texas, began construction in The Woodlands last year. Nestled along Lake Woodlands, the luxury condominium offers 39 floor plans and an array of upscale amenities, including a wine cellar, library, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, sauna, multi-sport simulator, dog park and more. Completion of the project is anticipated in 2027.  Learn more about why businesses are choosing Houston and what it means to live, work and play in the Bayou City. 

The holiday season is here, which means it's time to kick off your annual shopping spree! Whether you're shopping for lifelong locals or newcomers soaking up Houston's culture, this gift guide is packed with ideas that celebrate the Bayou City's rich traditions, flavors and style. Here's your curated list of uniquely Houston gifts.  For the Foodie  Click to expand When shopping for the foodie in your life, a gift card to one of Houston’s renowned restaurants is always a good idea. From Michelin-starred gems like Le Jardinier and Musaafer to James Beard-nominated favorites like Bludorn and Squable, the city’s award-winning culinary scene offers something for every palate.  For the home chef, consider gifting a cookbook from Houston’s culinary icons. James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd’s Cook Like a Local offers creative takes on Houston’s diverse flavors, while Sylvia Casares’s iconic The Enchilada Queen Cookbook is a must-have for Tex-Mex lovers.   For the meat lovers and grill masters, local favorites like Truth BBQ’s OG BBQ Sauce or Pondicheri’s flavorful Masala sauces make the perfect gift that’s sure to spice up their kitchen.  For the Experience Seeker  Click to expand Give the gift of adventure with a Houston CityPASS, a golden ticket to explore iconic attractions like Space Center Houston, the Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo—all at a discount. Perfect for locals rediscovering their city or newcomers diving into its highlights.  For the outdoorsy types, a membership to the Houston Arboretum offers year-round access to serene trails and nature programs, while a Buffalo Bayou boat tour promises the best of H-Town's scenic views and fascinating history from the water.  For the thrill-seekers on your list, a gift card to Escape the Room is a perfect pick. This interactive experience challenges players to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries to "escape" before time runs out. For even more fun, consider a gift card to Palace Social, the ultimate entertainment hub featuring bowling lanes, a high-energy arcade, karaoke rooms and sports simulators.   You can’t forget about the sports fanatic on your list. Surprise them with tickets to see their favorite Houston team in action or take it to the next level with a behind-the-scenes stadium tour at Daikin Park or NRG Stadium for an insider’s look at where the magic happens.  For the Art Lover  Click to expand Houston’s impressive lineup of immersive art exhibits and installations is a dream come true for the art lover in your life. Treat them to tickets to Houston’s newest sensation, Meow Wolf: Radio Tave, where they can explore an interdimensional radio station full of mind-bending surprises.   For the creatives on your list, gift them a class at a local studio, like pottery making at ClayHouston or watercolor painting at the Honey Art Cafe. Many studios offer one-day workshops that are perfect for trying something new.  No mention of Houston’s art scene is complete without the Museum of Fine Arts. A membership to this iconic institution makes the ideal gift, granting unlimited access to breathtaking exhibits and exclusive events throughout the year. For those who enjoy the magic of live performances, tickets to a show at the Houston Ballet, the Houston Symphony or the Hobby Center make perfect stocking stuffers.  For the Homebody  Click to expand Houston offers plenty of ways to make staying in extra special for the homebody in your life. Start with a handcrafted quilt from Tea Time Quilting, perfect for cozying up on the couch. To make the gift even better, pair it with a book from one of Houston’s beloved independent bookstores like Blue Willow Bookshop or Murder by the Book.  For a touch of local flair, consider a Houston-inspired candle from Manready Mercantile or Love & Make to bring the city’s charm into their home. Self-care gifts like bath bombs, body scrubs or skincare products from local favorites such as Milk + Honey Spa or White Rock Soap Gallery make for indulgent treats that turn any day into a spa day.