Planned Community Developers has closed on the land for The Orchard at Lower Kirby, a mixed-use development in Pearland. Located near the intersection of Beltway 8 and Hwy. 288, the project is planned as a walkable and community-centered destination.

About the project: City documents show the development will be divided into three districts:

• High-density single-family residential

• Mixed-use commercial

• Waterfront entertainment mixed-use

Additional amenities include a hotel and conference center, retail, restaurants and a walkable gathering place.

Looking ahead: The developer is selecting retail, restaurant and entertainment tenants, with initial delivery expected in summer 2027.

Friendswood ISD has approved preliminary designs to upgrade science labs at Windsong Elementary School and Bales Intermediate School for the 2027-28 school year.

What’s new: Funded through the 2026 bond program, the renovations will convert existing classrooms into dedicated science learning spaces. The project features include:

• Additional instructional and storage space

• Laboratory sinks

• Magnetic writable wall surfaces

The nearly $810,000 project budget is under the original $1 million allocation for both campuses. Funding comes through Proposition A, which also funds facility upgrades, land acquisition and the replacement of 10 buses.

Looking ahead: Construction is projected to take six months, with substantial completion expected by Aug. 2, 2027.

Baseball Lifestyle 101 opened a new shop in Baybrook Mall in early October, officials confirmed.

What they offer: The business offers baseball-themed apparel, accessories and gear for youth and adults.

Items include shorts, tees, hats and snapbacks, armsleeves, slides, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers and sweatpants.

📍500 Baybrook Mall, Ste. 1360, Friendswood

Texas-based healthcare company Harbor Health is acquiring 27 Village Medical clinics in Greater Houston.

The overview: The two groups have signed an agreement, and the transaction is expected to close at the end of the year.

Key details of the acquisition include:

• The clinics span locations in Brazoria, Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties.

• Village Medical will continue to operate under its name, and clinic patients do not need to take any action.

• The clinics will continue to accept their current insurance plans.

• After the acquisition, Harbor Health will operate nearly 70 clinics across Texas.

The details: Harbor Health plans have no deductible, and referrals are covered at no cost. Enrollment for Harbor's individual and family plans will begin Nov. 1, with coverage effective Jan. 1. Large employer plans are also available.