The Woodlands Real Estate Blog

The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street continue to be hot shopping and entertainment destinations in The Woodlands Tx. With the addition of Waterway Square, shopping venues are even more plentiful.

""We're really seeing Waterway Avenue come to life,"" said Nick Wolda, vice president of marketing for Town Center Improvement District.The development of Waterway Square will feature a fountain choreographed to music and lights. The first major building in Waterway Square is expected to open early 2008. Like most new construction in The Woodlands, new office buildings and garages will have retail development on first and second levels.

""The opening of Waterway Square early next year will mark another milestone in the development of The Woodlands,"" said Wolda. ""We believe 2008 will be a significant year."" Wolda has recently has been named president of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Continuing with the promise of more development, Market Street will have an additional eight new retailers to its tenant mix in the next several months.

Beginning with the November opening of the men's and women's outdoor clothing retailer, Eddie Bauer. Some of the growth in the past year includes the arrival of The Goose's Acre on The Woodlands Waterway, as well as Baker Street Pub and Chocolata on Waterway Avenue. As the latest newcomers to the regional shopping and entertainment destination Eddie Bauer will join Bath and Body Works, GapKids, babyGap, J.Jill, Right Start, Lululemon Athletica and Sweet and Sassy.

Market Street also is continuing to create and maintain a unique and customer-friendly shopping atmosphere by adding a full-service Concierge and Information Desk to provide a host of services for shoppers from making reservations at Market Street restaurants to storing shopping bags and arranging for car washes and auto detailing.

The Goose's Acre Irish Pub is a true Irish pub. Owners Brian Young and Colm O'Neill brought this authentic pub straight from County Cork to The Woodlands to share the romance and history of Ireland's years past with residents of South Montgomery County.

""What a unique concept, to bring a 100-year-old pub from Ireland and reassemble it in America, all with Irish craftsmen. We're proud to have The Goose's Acre in The Woodlands Town Center.""

Wolda said ""Both Baker Street Pub and Chocolata also are great hits, especially during the evenings and weekends.""

""Market Street's model has been to bring together a collection of stores shoppers don't find on every corner and incorporate them with well-known retailing brands,"" said Harold Dull, general manager of the 3-year-old center. ""That's what creates a true shopping and entertainment destination.""

The Concierge and Information Desk operates 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Shoppers can come to the desk to peruse menus of Market Street restaurants.

The Woodlands Mall, adjacent to The Woodlands Waterway, has an array of more than 200 stores including five large department stores and remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

""You can be sure whatever you are shopping for, from children's toys and clothes to men's wear and house wares, you will find it at Woodlands Mall,"" Wolda said.

Rainy days won't ruin outdoor shopping plans with Market Street's umbrella program. Market Street has made 500 umbrellas available year-round at any street-level Market Street retailer or restaurant.

Shoppers who borrow the complimentary umbrellas are asked to return them to any Market Street retailer or restaurant when they leave the property.

The Woodlands Mall, with more than a million square feet, remains one of the favorites. Such retailers as Foley's, JC Penney, Coldwater Creek, Jos. A Bank Clothier, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Bebe, Black House/White Market, Chico's, Coach, and Dillard's thd malls offers.

""You can be sure whatever you are shopping for, from children's toys and clothes to men's wear and house wares, you will find it at Woodlands Mall,"" Wolda said.

Young adult shoppers find all of the top, trendy favorites such as Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, Gap, Hollister, Jimmy'Z and Urban Outfitters.

For the younger set, look to Abercrombie Kids, Gap Kids, Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Limited Too.

Children will enjoy the full-sized carousel and the Enchanted Woodlands play area.

With lots of activities planned throughout the year, entertainment is part of the picture at The Woodlands Mall. And, there's a landing dock where you can catch a water taxi and enjoy a ride on The Woodlands Waterway.

Source: Houston Chronicle by Pearl K. Cajoles