Transwestern, a commercial real estate company, is bringing a new 17-acre mixed-use development called The RO to the intersection of West Alabama Street and Buffalo Speedway that is expected to be completed by early 2028.

About the project: The first phase of the $400 million project, which included a 145,000-square-foot Class AA office building, broke ground in mid-2024 and started tenant move-in in June. The entire building was 100% leased to energy trader Vitol Inc.

Phase 2 of the development broke ground in November 2025. This phase involves creating a retail village consisting of local chef-driven restaurants and boutiques, as well as a luxury multifamily tower called The Clayton.

The RO will also be the site of Houston’s first Auberge Collection called The Birdsall.

The timeline: Phase 2 of the project is slated for completion in early 2028, with initial tenancy for the Retail Village expected to be announced in late 2026.

The hospitality group behind the Houston restaurant concepts Maison Chinoise and Cucina Italiana announced July 14 that its newest concept will debut in late 2026.

Read all about it: Eliás Estiatorio will replace the former Yia Yia Mary's space along San Felipe Street and is expected to revive the location into a contemporary Greek dining destination, according to a news release.

The restaurant will offer guests dishes that highlight seafood, seasonal ingredients and health-conscious fare in what is described as a "sun-washed Mediterranean setting."

Quote of note: “When you go to the Mediterranean, people take time to enjoy life, food and each other," Founder Alberto Lombardi said. "That was the inspiration for Eliás Estiatorio—to create a beautiful, energetic place where guests can relax, celebrate and share a memorable meal together.”

Eliás Estiatorio is scheduled to open sometime this winter.

• 4747 San Felipe St., Houston

According to officials with the National Weather Service, a tropical depression is working on gaining strength and organization in the Gulf, and Houston area officials are monitoring the storm for potential local impacts. 

What we know: Officials with the Houston-Galveston office of the NWS released advisories for Tropical Depression Two, a weather disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that has the potential to turn into a tropical storm by July 21. Based on current models from the NWS, the storm could bring tropical storm-level winds and rain to the Greater Houston area over the weekend.

Stay tuned: Officials are urging residents to check all hurricane preparations regardless of additional storm development in the coming days. If the storm continues to gain strength, it will become Tropical Storm Bertha, per the NWS.

Beginning Dec. 17, Frontier Airlines will offer daily nonstop service from Houston to Puerto Rico, airline officials announced via a July 14 news release. 

The big picture: The new route will run between George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan. With the latest addition, Frontier Airlines will serve 21 destinations from IAH.

In December 2025, the airline added new routes from IAH to three Latin American countries, as previously reported by Community Impact. 

Quote of note: "We are pleased to grow our service at IAHn ensuring low-cost travel options remain available for Texas consumers as they travel to Puerto Rico," said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design for Frontier Airlines, in a statement. "With premium upgrades paired with our signature affordability, we are thrilled to show travelers why we are America's Low Fare Airline." 

Gov. Greg Abbott named Robert S. Howden, one of his senior advisers and his office's legislative director, as Texas' 116th secretary of state effective July 18. Howden will succeed Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who resigned effective July 17 more than three years after she took office.

As the state's chief elections officer, Howden will be responsible for overseeing the application of Texas election laws and assisting local election officials. The secretary of state's office also manages business records, government rules and regulations, and other official duties.

Following Abbott's appointment, Howden must be confirmed for the position by at least two-thirds of the Texas Senate. The state Legislature's next regular session will begin in January.