HTX-HRM: Impact 10/23/2025

The city of Houston will hold a public hearing Nov. 12 for the potential addition of several new historic landmarks as recommended by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

At a glance: According to the Oct. 22 City Council agenda, the following locations have received HAHC approval and will be considered as new historic landmarks Nov. 12:

• Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, landmark
• The Pizzitola Building, landmark
• The Valenti-Dissen House, protected landmark
• West Edgemont’s “Dream House,” protected landmark
• The Alan and Hattie Green House, landmark
• Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, protected landmark

Italian fashion brand Loro Piana opened a store in River Oaks District on Oct. 17, according to a news release from the district.

The details: The Loro Piana store was previously located in The Galleria, where it opened in 2017. The store's new concept and interior design uses natural materials, oak and Carabottino wood, silk wall coverings and richly textured finishes, per the news release. 

• Opened Oct. 17
• 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. F100, Houston

Officials with the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone provided an update on the ongoing transportation projects from Houston-based engineering company HR Green Inc. during their Oct. 20 meeting.

Zooming in: The Montrose Boulevard project is west of downtown Houston along Montrose Boulevard and extends from Allen Parkway to West Clay Street, as previously reported by Community Impact. As of Oct. 20, construction has begun on the sidewalk installation on the east side and is expected to open in November, according to the board packet. West Dallas Street and West Clay Street remain closed, the board stated.

Meanwhile, the $28.5 million West Alabama Street reconstruction project includes making several enhancements to the 1.6-mile stretch of road from Spur 527 to Shepherd Drive, as previously reported by Community Impact.

As of the meeting date, HR Green has addressed the city of Houston’s comments regarding the design and has resubmitted the final Design Concept Report.

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”