HTX-SKL: Impact 8/25/2025

An $89.9 million construction work package for Spring ISD’s Education, Performance and Instruction Center was unanimously approved by the district’s board of trustees Aug. 12.

Latest update: The $89.9 million Guaranteed Maximum Price package is expected to cover construction of the actual building. Work on the project—which broke ground in May—has largely consisted of site development and parking lot paving so far. SISD’s EPIC is expected to be completed by the 2026-27 school year, and the 148,000-square-foot center will include features such as:

• A 4,000-seat indoor arena—with an optional 1,000 additional seats in on-court seating—to host athletic events or ceremonies such as graduation
• A 1,000-seat performance hall
• A 49,500-square-foot detached multipurpose pavilion to host livestock shows, robotics events and band practices

Mochi Dog Cafe is now offering Asian treats in the Cy-Fair area, officials said. The eatery has two additional locations in Humble and Friendswood, per the website.

On the menu: At Mochi Dog Cafe customers can find asian treats from mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, bubble tea and coffee, according to the website.

The Texas Transportation Commission officially approved the 2026 Unified Transportation Program on Aug. 21, outlining an additional $2.2 billion in state transportation funds for the Greater Houston area.

The big picture: The UTP is a 10-year project plan crafted and funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, and reviewed and updated on an annual basis according to feedback from communities and metropolitan planning organizations. The 2026 UTP allocated an additional $2.2 billion for projects in the Houston region through 2035.

Quote of note: "This more than $146 billion investment in our roadways will help Texas meet the critical needs of our growing state as more people and businesses move here for the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. "We must strengthen our roadways and improve congestion and safety to keep our economy booming and keep Texans moving. By investing billions of dollars in our transportation network today, we will build the future of Texas for generations to come."

The Greater Houston area housing market is entering a “more balanced and sustainable” period as of July according to a report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The details: Despite a slight decrease in regional housing affordability in the second quarter of 2025, the Greater Houston area housing area market saw a significant increase in year over year home sales according to the July housing inventory report from HAR. The number of active single-family home listings jumped from 46,629 in July 2024 to 61,144 in July 2025, a 31.1% increase in homes on the market.

In their words: “The rising inventory levels have led to modest price adjustments by sellers,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “While some homeowners are adjusting their expectations, many homes are still attracting solid offers. This is a good indicator that the Houston market continues to be in a relatively healthy and balanced spot.”