HTX-WDL: Impact 7/16/2026

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Retail spaces see an increase in rental rates in The Woodlands area in July

Both the retail and industrial sectors in The Woodlands area saw slightly higher vacancy rates as of July 2 compared to the third quarter of 2025, while office vacancies stayed at about the same level, according to data from Caldwell Cos.

Retail rental rates in The Woodlands area experienced an increase as of July 2 compared to the previous year, with values having risen to $25.29 monthly rent per square foot.

Dig deeper: Office and industrial rental rates also increased as of early July, following a trend that has continued since 2023, collected data shows.

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In Your Area

Renovation plans in the works for Paddington British Private School

Paddington British Private School, an institution providing preschool and primary education in Montgomery County, is in the planning stages for renovations of the school’s entryway, driveway and parking lot, along with the addition of an outdoor learning experience feature, officials said in mid-July.

The school transitioned to new ownership earlier this year when former owner Nicolette Hardwicke sold the school to Fractal Education Group and entered retirement after nearly four decades of service in the community.

What you need to know: Established in The Woodlands in 1989, Paddington British Private School’s educational programs are specifically crafted to accelerate children’s knowledge and appreciation of fine arts, classical music, dance and other forms of academia, Hardwicke said.

2010 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands

Latest News

The Woodlands sees first child surrendered at fire station's Safe Haven Baby Box

A local initiative to provide a secure, anonymous location for the legal surrender of a baby saw its first use July 13, according to a news release form The Woodlands Township.

A Safe Haven Baby Box was opened at the township's Fire Station 6 at 1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd., The Woodlands, in April 2025, Community Impact previously reported. The Woodlands' location was the first in the Houston area, according to previous reporting.

How it works: The process is initiated when a baby is placed inside the climate-controlled box, and a silent alarm immediately alerts firefighters, allowing personnel to respond within a few minutes. The person surrendering the child retains their anonymity, according to the release. The township approved the location, which was created in partnership with Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc. The box operates under the Texas Safe Haven Law, which provides for the safe, legal surrender of a baby while ensuring the child receives immediate care.

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Mark Your Calendar

New menus for Houston Restaurant Weeks go live ahead of fall event

Produced by The Cleverley Stone Foundation, Houston Restaurant Weeks is a multiweek event from August through September that helps raise funds for the Houston Food Bank through specially priced, prix fixe menus at participating restaurants.

HRW is now entering its 23rd year, and menus for the 2026 event officially went live July 15.

How it works: Houston Restaurant Weeks will return Aug. 1 through Sept. 7, offering 38 days of prix fixe brunch, lunch and dinner menus. According to a July 15 news release, more than 350 restaurants are expected to participate across the Greater Houston area from the Inner Loop, downtown and the Galleria to Sugar Land, The Woodlands and Galveston.

Customers can expect to find special menus throughout the month that range from $25 to $55, depending on the menu. Brunch and lunch are $25, with dinner options priced at $39 or $55.

Why it matters: For every dollar donated, approximately three meals are generated by the Houston Food Bank. In 2025, the event garnered over $1.6 million, per prior reporting.