The Woodlands to Welcome New $16.5 Million Library and Community Center in Grogan's Mill Village Center

The Woodlands is soon to experience a makeover with the groundbreaking of a new $16.5 million library and community center at the Grogan’s Mill Village Center. Announced in a land swap deal on September 26, as reported by the Community Impact, Howard Hughes will design and build the new facilities with private funds. In return, the real estate development company will take control of the current library and community center properties upon completion of the new complex.

Jim Carman, president of Howard Hughes' Houston region, expressing his enthusiasm for the project, stated, "This is an exciting opportunity to update and expand what the Grogan’s Mill Village Center offers residents," in a news release obtained by the Houston Chronicle. Planned for the new center are amenities such as an 11-room community center, including a 5,000-square-foot multipurpose meeting hall and ballroom, and a library equipped with a theater-style classroom and advanced tech like a 3D printer.

Making the library and community center accessible and affordable to a diverse array of events is on the officials’ agenda, as confirmed by Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack. "The new community center and library will be a staple for exploring, socializing, and succeeding in this community for many years to come," Noack said, highlighting the integral role the center will play as a community hub. Alongside these educational and social venues, the revitalization ensures that current tenants like Brother’s Pizza and The UPS Store at the village center secure their places amidst the development, as affirmed by Howard Hughes.

Even as the Grogan's Mill Village Center lost its anchor store in 2020, it's gaining traction with new additions including a Malaysian street food restaurant from the late James Beard-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung, and the ongoing operation of The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, which, together with other local businesses, will continue to serve customers during the construction. According to the Community Impact report, Aaron Hoffstadter, Grogan’s Mill Village Association president stated “For years, we have talked about the need to revitalize The Woodlands' original Village Center, and today, we are able to celebrate a project that will generate excitement while providing premier amenities for our residents and visitors.” Construction is geared to conclude by summer 2025, but patrons can expect existing services to remain operational until the transition to the new facilities is complete.