North Houston’s Growing Economic Kaleidoscope
Welcome to the vibrant economic landscape of North Houston, Texas – a region that is as diverse as it is dynamic. This area is a thriving hub of industry and innovation, with major sectors such as healthcare, energy, technology, education, professional services, manufacturing, and chemicals fueling its growth. From the transformation of George Bush Intercontinental Airport to the relocation of ExxonMobil’s corporate headquarters, North Houston is a testament to economic resilience and diversity. This article delves into the major developments that are shaping the economic climate of North Houston, including The Woodlands, Spring, and the North Houston District. Several major developments have meaningful economic impact.
Thousands of Jobs Are Being Created by the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal B Transformation Program
United Airlines, in collaboration with the Houston Airport System (HAS), has embarked on a groundbreaking project known as the Terminal B Transformation Program. George Bush Intercontinental Airport has a significant economic impact on the North Houston region. It supports approximately 170,000 local jobs and generates more than $22 billion in direct, indirect, and induced economic activity.1 The expansion of Terminal B includes the construction of forty new gates for both domestic and international travel. The Terminal B expansion underscores the shared commitment between United Airlines and the City of Houston to enhance Bush Airport and boost Houston’s economy. By investing over $2 billion, United Airlines is not only improving air travel but also creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the region.2
The expansion project is expected to create an additional 4,000 construction-related jobs. These jobs are related to the construction and development phase of the project. In terms of permanent jobs, United Airlines hired 2,100 employees in 2023, and it is projected that around 1,500 new hires will be added when construction is completed.
Read more about the IAH Terminal B Transformation
Relocation Revolution: ExxonMobil’s Move to North Houston
ExxonMobil ranks seventh3 on the Fortune 100 list and recently completed the relocation of its corporate headquarters to its campus location in Spring, TX.4 The move brings the company’s top executives to North Houston and makes it the region’s largest company by revenue. Over 8,500 employees work at the corporate headquarters, which can accommodate 10,000.4 In addition to the relocation, ExxonMobil plans to establish a single North American research and technology hub at its Houston headquarters and closing its campuses in New Jersey and Ontario. The moves will be done in phases and will be fully enacted by 2028.5
The relocation of ExxonMobil’s headquarters further cements Houston’s status as the nation’s energy capital. The company is also eyeing massive Houston-area investments in lower-carbon solutions, including a $100 billion project to capture carbon dioxide emissions from the city’s industrial area along the Ship Channel.6
Major North Houston employers in the Energy industry include Halliburton, BP, Baker Hughes, Bredero Shaw, GE Oil and Gas, Occidental, Entergy Texas. Southwestern Energy, Repsol USA, Nabors Drilling USA and Strike, LLC.7 See Area Map.
Bridging Spaces: The Unique Architecture of Hewlett Packard’s New Corporate Campus
Hewlett Packard recently opened a new, state of the art corporate campus location in 2022 and is home to over 2,200 employees.8 The campus spans a total of twelve acres and comprises two five-story buildings that are connected by bridges at each level. The campus includes 440,000 square feet of rentable space and structured parking for 2,055 cars.9
The campus features a large central courtyard with a multiuse basketball pavilion. It also includes a fitness center and cafe. The campus has a hands-on creative workshop dubbed the “Makerspace,” which features everything from 3D printers and laser cutters to woodworking and welding equipment.10
ABS’s Global Headquarters: A Beacon of Innovation in North Houston
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) moved into its new global headquarters in North Houston in 2019.11 The company, which provides design and construction use and safety assessments for ships and marine structures12 occupies a 10-story, 326,800-square-foot leading-edge facility11 that also includes 23,700 square feet of retail space.11
Investing in Education: Lone Star College’s Growth in North Houston
Lone Star College (LSC) has several campuses located throughout the North Houston area.13 Recently, LSC has started construction on the LSC-Magnolia Center campus after 10 years of planning.14 The project is expected to cost about $34 million and is part of LSCS’s $485 million bond, which was approved by voters in 2014.14 The Magnolia Center is slated to welcome students in the spring of 2026.15 Another project is the expansion of the Lone Star College-Houston North Victory center, which will include more classrooms, a biology lab, and a fitness center. This expansion will measure 20,000 square feet and is expected to be substantially completed by summer 2024.16,17,18
Healthcare: The Lifeblood of North Houston’s Economic Growth
The healthcare industry has a significant economic impact in North Houston. Over twenty medical centers are located throughout the North Houston Area. It is one of the major economic drivers in the region, fostering the life sciences industries and healthcare workforce.19 The Center for Houston’s Future predicts that 1 in 6 jobs added from 2021 to 203620 will be in healthcare, contributing to a significant $63.5 billion boost in the local economy. New developments in the area include:
- Creekside Park Medical Plaza: This new development in The Woodlands has nearly 49,000 square feet of space.21 Houston Methodist purchased the plaza in April 2024, and it includes up to ten providers.22
- Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza: A new $29.2 million medical plaza is being constructed at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.23The plaza will span more than 135,000 square feet across five stories.23 The core and shell of the medical plaza are expected to be completed by January 2025.23
- Kelsey-Seybold Clinic: Kelsey-Seybold plans to open a 33,000-square foot clinic on the northwestern edge of The Woodlands in the summer of 2024.23
- Newman Development Corporation Project: This company began a 50-acre development project at the intersection of Gosling and West Rayford roads in 2023.24 When completed, the project will include 120,000 square feet of retail and medical office space.24
New Development at an Industrial Hub of Tomorrow
Pinto Business Park is a 971-acre industrial park that, when fully developed, will accommodate up to 7,000,000 square feet of build-to-suit and user-owned distribution, light manufacturing, and corporate campus space.25,26,27,28 Located in the heart of Houston’s north/northwest submarkets, where industrial vacancy rates are some of the lowest in the country, Pinto Business Park is the largest, fully entitled, contiguous tract of land located inside Beltway 825. With drainage, detention, roads, and infrastructure already designed, the site is shovel-ready, with tracts available for immediate construction and delivery25.
Pinto is 98% leased and an additional 3.76 acres are being developed as a 69,244 square-foot spec building consisting of a 64,284 square foot warehouse space and 4,960 square feet of office space.29
Major companies located at Pinto Business Park includes Amazon, Sysco, Coca-Cola, Home Depot Supply and Emsler Tile.
Quality of Life: Renovation of Thomas R. Wussow Park
The North Houston District is implementing significant infrastructure and improvement projects in 202530 that will positively impact the quality of life in the North Houston area. The renovation of Thomas R. Wussow Park aims to improve the health and wellness of area residents and enhance the natural aspects of the District’s signature, 11-acre park in North Houston.31
The improvements include the construction of two youth soccer fields, an accessible and shaded fitness area with workout stations, and an expansion of the playground.31 Additional upgraded lighting will also be added to improve security, including new walking paths, picnic areas, and park benches.31
North Houston’s Economic Mosaic: A Testament to Growth and Diversity
The North Houston area is a beacon of economic growth and diversity, with multiple sectors contributing to its robust and resilient economy. The region’s commitment to development, as evidenced by the numerous projects and expansions across various industries, underscores its position as a leading economic hub.
