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Retail rental rates up in The Woodlands area as of early May

The office sector in The Woodlands area saw slightly higher occupancy in leasing this May compared to the previous year, while industrial occupancy declined slightly compared to the second quarter of 2025, according to data from Caldwell Companies. Retail leasing stayed at about the same level.
 

What to know: Office rental rates in The Woodlands area continued a steady rise since 2023 as of early May, and industrial rates are rising after a slight dip in 2025. Rental rates for retail spaces were on a downward trend from 2023 to 2025, but have increased as of early May.

Another detail: Fewer industrial and retail buildings are under construction than a year prior as of May 4, while no office buildings were under construction in May, similar to the previous month.

 
CI Business
Express Family Clinic marks 15 years on Rayford Road in Spring

The Spring location of the clinic is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, as it opened June 6, 2011, owner Melissa Herpel said. The clinic also has locations in Conroe and New Caney.

What they offer: The clinic offers services for the whole family, including immunizations, check-ups, tests, treatments for injuries, pediatric services, occupational health and screenings, according to information on its website.

  • 610 Rayford Road, Ste. 644, Spring

 
Latest Education News
Tomball ISD cannot comply with bill requiring upgraded school buses, trustees say

At the May 11 regular board meeting, the Tomball ISD board of trustees voted unanimously to execute a statutory acceptance to the state stating the district does not have the required funds to comply with Senate Bill 546. The bill requires all school districts in the state to use only buses equipped with three-point seat belts. As previously reported by Community Impact, out of TISD's 205 buses, 103 do not meet the new safety requirements.

Meeting highlights: SB 546 requires all districts to submit their official decision and total cost regarding their bus fleets by May 29 to the Texas Education Agency. As previously reported, at the April 13 workshop meeting, the trustees reviewed TISD's fleet and discovered the total cost to retrofit the 103 buses would be $3.24 million-$4.9 million. The cost for the district to purchase 103 buses would be $14.42 million at $140,000 per bus.

 
Election News
Early voting in Texas’ primary runoff election begins May 18. Here’s what to know.

After dozens of Texas primary races ended without a clear winner in March, candidates for those seats will face off in an overtime round, known as a runoff election, this month. Texans can vote early in the runoff election from May 18-22, with election day May 26.

How it works: State law requires that primary candidates receive more than 50% of the votes cast to advance to a general election.

In the May 26 runoff election, Republican and Democratic voters will choose who they want to represent them in statewide offices, legislative and Congressional seats, the State Board of Education and county-level positions. The winner of each runoff race will appear on the ballot in November.

On the ballot: The statewide Republican runoff races include:

  • U.S. Senate: John Cornyn and Ken Paxton
  • Texas attorney general: Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy
  • Texas railroad commissioner: Jim Wright and Bo French

The statewide Democratic runoffs are:
  • Texas attorney general: Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski
  • Texas lieutenant governor: Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Vélez

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

North Italia slated to open 4th Greater Houston location in La Centerra

North Italia is set to open its fourth Greater Houston area location in La Centerra on June 10. The Italian restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including cacio e pepe pizza, smoked salmon avocado toast or Sunday night lasagna.


Read more.

 

🍜 Leighton’s expands with new location in Montrose
(Read more)

🥩 Texas Roadhouse announces opening date for new Cypress location
(Read more)

🍸 New bar inspired by secret drinking clubs opens inside Hotel Daphne
(Read more)

 

D’Alba blends global flavors with Texas-sourced ingredients in The Woodlands area

Founded on Alba Street in the Heights, owner Daut Elshani said he opened D'Alba in 2021 to bring a modern and timeless eatery with locally sourced ingredients. Years later, in 2025, the eatery expanded with a new location at FM 2978 in the Magnolia area. Made with ingredients locally sourced in Texas, Elshani said D'Alba offers cuisine reflecting Houston's diversity.


Read here.

Your local team

Vanessa Holt
Senior Editor

Nicole Preston
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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