Construction has officially commenced on the first phase of Colton, a massive 5,700-acre master-planned community spearheaded by Airia Development Co. The development is spread across Montgomery County and will stretch to encompass parts of Waller and Grimes counties as well. As early stages take shape along a four-mile stretch of Texas 249, anticipation builds around the project's estimated $9.9 billion build-out value.

With an eye toward blending into the existing fabric of Texas, the community promises to offer a living experience steeped in the historical and cultural essences of the state. "Colton embodies quintessential Texas living with a distinct design inspired by the state’s historical, cultural and architectural influences," Travis Stone, President of Airia Development, told Houston Chronicle. His vision portrays Colton standing out as a hallmark of master-planned community living, backed by a deep-seated Texas spirit. Construction of model homes is predicted to start this fall, with homebuilders expected to launch sales in 2025.

Playing a significant role in shaping the character of this emerging neighborhood, the land use plan designates approximately 500 acres for mixed-use development. Such spaces will provide for multifamily, retail, and medical facilities, promising to bring along employment and various business opportunities to the region. This strategy of development is smartly designed to seamlessly integrate with the needs of the community and contribute to the area's growth.

Further benefits of the development include educational enhancements, with students from the opening phase set to attend Magnolia ISD schools. Moreover, there are proposals for on-site schools to be constructed within Colton, as Travis Stone highlighted in a statement obtained by Community Impact. Such plans indicate not just the development of houses, but the creation of a complete community infrastructure designed to serve future residents comprehensively.

Houston area's development landscape continues to dramatically evolve with projects like Colton bringing weighty investment into suburban settings. With this initiative marking Airia Development's largest undertaking to date, the completion of Colton may well set a benchmark for future developers to measure against in the sprawling Texan metropolis.