West University Place’s city hall, police and fire stations are significantly undersized, according to a July 13 presentation.

The options: West U officials reviewed a public safety facilities needs assessment that showed City Hall, police and fire operations would require major expansions or new construction. Council was presented with three options for improvement:

• Option A: a new police station at 3826 Amherst St. and a joint city hall and fire station at 3800 University Blvd.
• Option B: a new city hall at 3826 Amherst St., with police and fire to remain at 3800 University Blvd.
• Option C: an expansion of the current building at 3800 University Blvd.

West University Place held its groundbreaking ceremony for the Poor Farm Ditch reconstruction project July 13. Mayor Susan Sample and City Council members attended the ceremony, along with county, state and federal officials.

What is it: The Poor Farm Ditch reconstruction project will replace, widen and deepen the concrete-lined channel between University Boulevard and Bellaire Boulevard. The project will help with stormwater capacity and provide drainage relief.

“This groundbreaking is a testament to our persistent leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and also signifies how partners across all levels of government can work together, and when done successfully, their collaborative momentum can secure $33 million in partnership funding,” Sample said during the ceremony.

Some background: Funding came from the Harris County Flood Control District, Texas legislative allocation, federal funding and the cities of West University Place and Southside Place.

The Harris County Flood Control District and its contractor are expected to begin construction in July, and it is expected to last approximately four years.

Officials with GreenStreet, a landmark mixed-use destination in Downtown Houston, announced July 14 that three new tenants are expected to join the development in 2026, including an independent restaurant, immersive entertainment concept Sandbox VR and Keller Williams Realty. Together, the three new tenants represent more than 20,000 square feet, according to a news release.

Read all about it: Sandbox VR will occupy approximately 6,190 square feet at GreenStreet. The brand is known for being a virtual reality destination that combines motion capture technology, full-body tracking and cinematic storytelling, per the release.

On the other hand, the restaurant, which has yet to be announced, is expected to be a new all-day dining concept and will occupy about 5,100 square feet. Rounding out the three new tenants is Keller Williams Realty. The real estate office will consume approximately 9,500 square feet.

The timeline: Project officials said the Keller Williams office is open as of July 14 and Sandbox VR is slated to open in mid-October.  

• 1201 Fannin St., Houston

Houston Airport System welcomed an estimated 4.5 million passengers during the period in which the Houston area hosted 2026 FIFA World Cup games, according to a July 9 news release.

The details: Officials noted nearly 1.8 million departing passengers were screened by Transportation Security Administration officials at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport during the 25-day travel period. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials processed more than 439,000 international passengers at IAH and Hobby from June 12-July 3.

Also of note: IAH handled 60 charter flights related to FIFA World Cup 2026, including 30 team charters serving 13 national teams, per the release. Royal Air Maroc and Corendon operated 30 additional charter flights carrying more than 5,800 passengers.

What they’re saying: "We understood from the beginning that for many visitors, the airport would be their first and last impression of Houston," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. "Our employees, volunteers, airlines, federal partners, concessionaires and regional partners worked together to make sure Houston was ready. They delivered."

The June Housing Market Update from the Houston Association of Realtors reports a rise in home sales and pending activity with steady overall pricing.

By the numbers: The number of single-family homes sold increased by 3.5%, with 8,820 homes sold in June compared to last June with 8,525 sold. The average home price rose 1.2% to $455,159, while the median home price slightly decreased by just 0.3%.

Total property sales across the Houston area rose by 2.6% with 10,181 properties sold, and the number of active property listings increased 2.2%, equaling 59,970.

Also of note: The luxury market remained strong with home sales over the price of $1 million rising 17.1% year over year.

However, the townhome and condominium market showed a 9.3% fall year over year with 439 in June compared to 484 last June, data shows.

In their own words: HAR Chair Theresa Hill said the Greater Houston area is seeing a “little more breathing room” on both sides of the transaction.