The Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone added two new projects to its Capital Improvement Projects plan, which runs from fiscal years 2026-2027 through 2030-2031.

What is it: The two new projects include a sidewalk improvement project for Richmond Avenue and an outfall study.

The outfall study was combined with phase one of the Montrose Boulevard reconstruction project to look at whether Montrose can increase the amount of stormwater that flows from the Montrose area into the Buffalo Bayou as part of its flood mitigation efforts.

In 2021, Montrose did a drainage study that identified increased discharge into Buffalo Bayou as a potential solution; however, the TIRZ needs additional information and approval from the Houston officials and the Harris County Flood Control District before moving forward, Derek St. John, an engineer with HR Green, told Montrose officials.

Also of note: After the TIRZ board approved the budget and CIP, both will go to Houston City Council for approval. The fiscal year will run through June 30, 2027.

Silvia Tcherassi is bringing ready-to-wear, silhouetted glamour to the River Oaks District this fall with the opening of its very first Texas boutique and third location in the U.S. overall, officials confirmed via news release.

Why it matters: Tcherassi earned the moniker, “the pioneer of the Latin flair,” from Women’s Wear Daily through her blend of Latin American fashion trends and resort-style clothing, according to the store's official website.

Once open, patrons can browse articles from Tcherassi’s latest collections, a selection of atelier pieces, accessories and in-store exclusives crafted specifically for Houston’s clientele, per news release information.

The bottom line: Silvia Tcherassi is set to open at 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston.

• 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. F140, Houston

Motorists traveling to and from George Bush Intercontinental Airport this week should allow extra travel time due to nearby road construction, Houston Airport System officials announced in an Aug. 24 news release.

What you need to know: Beginning with prep work Aug. 24, HAS will repair concrete in the westbound lanes of Will Clayton Parkway between Kenswick Drive and Lee Road. Per the release, major demolition and concrete work will occur Aug. 25-28.

Officials noted motorists should anticipate lane closures, especially overnight, when two of three lanes will be closed for construction. Motorists can take John F. Kennedy Boulevard as an alternate route during construction. 

Stay tuned: All three lanes are expected to reopen by the afternoon of Aug. 28, per the release. 

Harris County commissioners are slated to discuss debt service payments, planning studies and capital improvements at its Aug. 25 business court meeting.

At a glance: The court will consider about $235.6 million in debt service payments for September and October, per the agenda. The payments will cover Harris County road bonds, permanent improvement bonds, Harris County Flood Control District bonds and Flood Contract Tax bonds. 

In other news: Three planning studies will also be up for discussion during the Aug. 25 meeting. Harris County Housing and Community Development is requesting $150,000 for the Resilience Hubs study, which will evaluate the creation of community spaces to provide daily and disaster response services. The other two studies, which the agenda does not provide details on, will look at projects in Precinct 4 and cost $1.4 million.

Texas’ audit of hundreds of proposed data centers will likely wrap up by the end of the year, grid officials said Aug. 20.

The overview: Up to 300 proposals will be audited to ensure they meet certain criteria before the data centers can begin connecting to the state electric grid. If all the plans are approved, these facilities alone could use about 200 gigawatts of electricity—more than twice Texas’ 91-gigawatt peak demand record, which was set on July 22.

How we got here: On Aug. 3, Gov. Greg Abbott directed ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to audit proposed data centers regarding their water and electricity use; tax exemptions; impacts on residents; and facility ownership.

More details: Only large loads, or facilities that are expected to use at least 75 megawatts of electricity, will be fully audited. However, ERCOT will also survey proposed data centers that would use 25 megawatts of electricity or more.

ERCOT plans to release reports detailing the results of the audit and surveys on Dec. 10, officials said.