Conroe Old Courthouse Site: Public Use vs. Development

## Future of Downtown Conroe’s Old Courthouse Block Sparks Heated Debate Among County Commissioners

**CONROE, TX** – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court grappled with a significant decision shaping the heart of downtown Conroe this past Tuesday, April 23rd, as debate centered on the future of the prime real estate currently occupied by the old 1935 courthouse at 301 N. Thompson Street. The core question before the five-member court: What fate awaits the roughly one-acre city block once the historic structure is demolished, paving the way for either a public plaza or a revenue-generating private development?

The discussion comes as the nearly 90-year-old courthouse, a long-standing landmark in the county seat, awaits demolition following the opening of the new, modern 15-story Montgomery County Court Facility in 2022. That state-of-the-art building, located just blocks away at 207 W. Phillips Street, effectively rendered its predecessor obsolete, leaving a valuable parcel in a rapidly redeveloping downtown Conroe.

County Attorney B.D. Griffin led the charge for public use, presenting a resolution advocating for the site to be permanently designated as a “public plaza and green space.” Griffin’s proposal aimed to legally declare the property for civic purposes, explicitly preventing its sale for private development and preserving it for public events, community gatherings, or potential future county government expansion. He stressed the importance of maintaining a central, accessible public space in the heart of the county seat.

However, Griffin’s restrictive vision met with considerable pushback from some members of the Commissioners Court. Commissioner Robert Riley, along with Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack and Precinct 4 Commissioner Don Meador, expressed openness to exploring private development proposals.

“Why wouldn’t we at least explore options that could generate significant tax revenue for the county?” questioned Commissioner Noack, articulating a desire to hear what developers might offer as the “highest and best use” for such a strategically located parcel. Commissioner Meador echoed this sentiment, indicating he would remain “open-minded” to various proposals, weighing economic benefits alongside other considerations. While Precinct 1 Commissioner Metts emphasized preserving “heritage” and green space, he too was not entirely closed off to private sector ideas, suggesting a nuanced approach might be necessary.

County Judge Mark Keough, on the other hand, leaned heavily towards a “public park” or a true civic center, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a central public gathering place for the community. “This is a pivotal location, and its future will define a significant part of downtown Conroe for generations,” Judge Keough noted during the deliberations.

Ultimately, the court decided to table a final decision on Griffin’s resolution, signaling that more discussion, and likely extensive public input, would be needed before settling the fate of this significant piece of downtown Conroe. The tabling allows the court to gather more information, potentially review developer proposals, and conduct community outreach to gauge public sentiment.

The debate underscores the broader tension in many growing Texas cities between preserving public space and maximizing economic development. The decision on the old courthouse block is not merely about a piece of land; it’s about shaping the very character, accessibility, and economic future of downtown Conroe for decades to come, impacting everything from pedestrian traffic and business vitality to the city’s historical identity. Residents interested in providing input or tracking the discussion are encouraged to monitor future Montgomery County Commissioners Court agendas, typically available on the county’s official website.