Conroe-Montgomery-Willis: Area Development & News
Economic expansion and community initiatives are reshaping the landscape of Montgomery County this spring, with major commercial developments, charitable efforts, and new business openings taking center stage across the region.
Leading the charge in Willis is the massive Blackwood Trails project, a 178-acre mixed-use development spearheaded by Blackwood Land Development Partners. Located on the west side of Interstate 45, just south of FM 830, the project is strategically positioned to serve the rapidly growing population of North Montgomery County, sitting directly across from the expansive The Woodlands Hills master-planned community.
The development is slated for a spring 2025 groundbreaking and aims to serve as a hub for both commerce and industry. Plans call for 1.2 million square feet of industrial flex space, designed to attract regional distribution and logistics operations. Complementing the industrial sector, the site will feature 300,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and medical office space, intended to provide necessary services to residents of Willis and Conroe.
To facilitate the expected increase in traffic, developers are coordinating with local authorities on significant infrastructure improvements. The project includes plans for extensive road work, advanced drainage systems, and utility upgrades. Notably, the intersection of I-45 and FM 830 will see significant signal improvements, and a new dedicated traffic signal will be installed at the entrance to the development, to be named Blackwood Trails Boulevard.
As the county prepares for physical growth, it is also doubling down on its commitment to social welfare. The Montgomery County Food Bank has announced its participation in the national Stamp Out Hunger food drive, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024. In partnership with the National Association of Letter Carriers, the initiative simplifies the donation process for local residents. Participants are encouraged to leave bags of nonperishable food items near their mailboxes before their regular mail delivery time.
The organization, which has set an ambitious goal of collecting 30,000 pounds of food during this single-day event, is specifically seeking high-protein and staple items. Needed donations include canned meats such as tuna and chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, dried beans, rice, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, oats, and crackers. Donations collected during the drive will directly support the food bank’s efforts to combat food insecurity throughout Montgomery County. Residents seeking more information on the drive or how to volunteer can visit the food bank website at mcfoodbank.org.
Meanwhile, the local culinary scene continues to evolve with the arrival of fresh dining options and business expansions. In Montgomery, D's Cookin' has officially opened its doors at 14455 FM 2854, occupying the space formerly held by The Rib Shack. Owners Derek and Stacy Stipp have brought a traditional, family-run Texas barbecue experience to the area. Their menu highlights staple smoked favorites, including brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey, paired with comfort-food sides like homemade macaroni and cheese and green beans. The shop also offers classic desserts, including banana pudding. D's Cookin' is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Further south in Conroe, a staple of the downtown area is embracing a new business model. Conroe Coffee Co., located at 111 Simonton Street, underwent a rebranding this April, officially transitioning to Conroe Coffee Co. & Mercantile. While the shop maintains its commitment to specialty coffee, tea, and baked goods, the transition introduces a curated retail component. The mercantile section features a variety of locally sourced and artisan goods, including handcrafted candles, soaps, locally harvested honey, and small-batch jams. The shift reflects a growing trend in downtown districts toward "destination retail," where patrons can shop for gifts and home goods while enjoying a social atmosphere.