Many of you may have noticed some of the changes happening in District J. Specifically, at the corner of Fondren and Southwest Freeway, demolition of the decades old shopping center is underway. These are the very first steps of Houston Baptist University's long planned renovations to its current campus. 

The redevelopment of this corner of HBU's campus will allow the university to become even more visible to traffic on US 59. These campus renovations have been made possible through the use of a "380 Development Agreement" negotiated between the city and HBU. I was pleased to be able to facilitate completion of that agreement in 2013.

The agreement anticipates HBU's construction of public infrastructure improvements such as storm drainage, a rain water detention pond, public tennis courts, and landscaping along US 59 and the Fondren esplanade. Over time, the university will also continue to reposition the site with construction of new commercial buildings, a special events center and related parking garage and a new public hotel designed to accommodate the multiple needs of the university, the adjacent medical center and surrounding businesses. All the changes will join the beautiful new Belin Tower - situated to be the new gateway onto the campus - that was completed and dedicated in 2015.

While this is just a first step, it is exciting to finally see the ground being literally broken for these many new and welcome improvements for our community!