In this issue learn about Levey's Developments new tenants in Lower Kirby, infrastructure improvements happening along the SH35 corridor, plus two new national recognitions for Pearland!
Levey Development Nears Full Occupancy, welcoming Garvee.com and Canopy Solutions
Pearland’s largest spec industrial development is now 88% leased, marking a major milestone for the city’s Lower Kirby employment center. Levey’s development, a 661,680-square-foot project in the Lower Kirby District, recently welcomed its first tenants. Garvee.com, through intermediary Creative Innovations, a third-party logistics provider for e-commerce retailers, leased the 496,560-square-foot cross-dock facility. Canopy Solutions, a provider of protective building structures, signed a lease for 82,560 square feet in the 165,120-square-foot rear-load building and has begun operations.
PEDC, the City of Pearland, and the Lower Kirby Pearland Management District began working with Levey in 2022 to support the development of this site. As part of a public-private partnership to bring infrastructure and mobility improvements to the west end of Lower Kirby, PEDC financed $1.6 million in site development and infrastructure enhancements.
The 38-acre development, located at the southeast corner of Almeda School Road and Beltway 8, features 185-foot truck courts, EV charging stations, and direct access to Beltway 8. Its arrival reinforces Pearland’s status as a key business hub in the Houston region.
Pearland’s healthcare landscape is set to grow with a major investment from HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland. The hospital has announced a $60 million expansion, doubling its size to meet the needs of our community.
The project will add 44 inpatient beds, expand the emergency department, upgrade surgical suites, and modernize clinical spaces for improved efficiency and integration. Construction is expected to begin late 2026.
Since opening in 2015, HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland has served the region with a 144,000 square-foot acute care facility offering emergency services, surgical care, cardiology, orthopedics, and more. The hospital was recently recognized with the 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award by Healthgrades.
As shared in the press release, CEO Elias Armendariz stated:
“This investment reflects our deep belief in the future of this region,” said Elias Armendariz, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland. “Pearland continues to be the number one place to live in Texas... Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare with compassion, quality, and innovation.”
PEDC applauds this commitment to Pearland’s future and looks forward to the continued growth of our healthcare infrastructure.
State Highway 35
Infrastructure Improvements Advance with Industrial Drive Reconstruction Project
The City of Pearland and PEDC are moving forward with the long-anticipated reconstruction of Industrial Drive, an important milestone in the broader State Highway 35 Redevelopment Strategy and a component of the Site Development Key Initiative in the Pearland Prosperity Plan, the community’s economic development strategic plan.
Industrial Drive, a heavily used but substandard roadway for approximately 18 businesses, will be rebuilt with reinforced concrete pavement, sidewalks, upgraded storm sewers, a new waterline, improved street lighting, and expanded drainage capacity. These improvements will not only address critical infrastructure needs but also support small businesses along the corridor and reduce drainage issues that have impacted some properties.
This $6.8 million project is being financed by PEDC and reflects the organization’s strategic commitment to allocate 20% of its annual budget toward recapitalization and infrastructure projects. By investing in the SH 35 Corridor, PEDC is advancing Pearland’s long-term vision to ensure that key business areas are supported by best-in-class infrastructure and amenities.
The result will be a safer, more attractive, and more competitive setting for business and investment in one of the city’s priority corridors. Conrad Construction Co. has been selected to lead the work. Construction has begun and is expected to take approximately nine months.
A New Chapter for Old Town Pearland
The Pearland City Council and the PEDC Board of Directors have adopted the Old Town Revitalization Plan, setting a clear path to transform the city’s most historic area into a thriving, connected destination. Led by the City of Pearland Community Development Department and funded by PEDC, the plan outlines a long-term vision to preserve Old Town’s character while encouraging thoughtful reinvestment and growth.
As a Key Initiative of the Pearland Prosperity Plan, the city’s strategic roadmap for economic development, the revitalization of Old Town reflects a broader commitment to sustainable growth and placemaking. Developed through extensive community engagement, the plan focuses on enhancing pedestrian connections, expanding public gathering spaces, promoting a mix of housing and retail options, and improving streetscapes to support walkability and small business activity through five catalytic Big Ideas.
The adoption of the Old Town Revitalization Plan marks a major milestone in Pearland’s continued focus on building a vibrant and resilient local economy.
The Pearland Innovation Hub’s annual State of Entrepreneurship event brought together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders to celebrate the spirit of innovation in Pearland.
Held on November 18 at Iguanas Ranas Pearland, the event featured small business owner City Council Member Tony Carbone, owner of Carbone & Allison, LLP and RealVest Property Management, who shared his personal entrepreneurial journey. His remarks highlighted the importance of community support, mentorship, and resilience—values that reflect the mission of the Pearland Innovation Hub.
As a unique resource in the region, the Pearland Innovation Hub, funded by PEDC, continues to play a vital role in advancing the city’s economic development strategy by empowering local entrepreneurs with the tools and connections they need to thrive.
Interested in learning more about the Pearland Innovation Hub? Membership is free - follow this link to get started and join a growing community of innovators.
Pearland Earns National Spotlight in Two Prestigious Rankings
Pearland has once again captured national attention, earning two prestigious accolades from Architectural Digest and U.S. News & World Report, underscoring its growing reputation as one of the most desirable places to live and retire in the United States.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Pearland as the No. 17 Best Place to Retire in the U.S., citing the city’s excellent healthcare access, welcoming community, and overall livability for retirees.
This recognition adds to a growing list of recent national honors from U.S. News & World Report, including:
In addition, Architectural Digest (AD) recently named Pearland one of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the U.S., highlighting the city’s affordability, vibrant cultural scene, and exceptional quality of life. With housing costs below the national average, a strong local job market, and a strategic focus on arts and culture—including the rollout of the Cultural Arts Master Plan—Pearland continues to distinguish itself as a dynamic and livable community.
These accolades reflect Pearland’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, public amenities, and economic development. Whether building a career, raising a family, or planning for retirement, Pearland offers a thriving environment where innovation, inclusivity, and long-term success are part of everyday life.
WorkInPearland Bridges Talent and Opportunity at Annual Hiring Event
The third annual WorkInPearland Job Fair, held September 17 at the Pearland Recreation Center, marked the event’s largest turnout for the annual event. More than 1,300 career seekers connected with 67 employers representing industries across Pearland and the region. Hosted in partnership with the PEDC, Pearland Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Solutions, and the City of Pearland, the event highlighted Pearland’s continued focus on strengthening the local talent pipeline and supporting business growth. The WorkInPearland initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for connecting employers with skilled professionals and advancing workforce development across the community.
Missed the job fair? No problem. WorkInPearland's online portal connects local employers with a skilled and motivated workforce.
Current period sales tax collections received in the third quarter of 2025 were up 3.4% compared to the same period in 2024, signaling continued growth in local business activity and consumer spending in Pearland.
Strategic Support for Pearland Employers
The BizConnect program, developed in partnership with PEDC and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to supporting local employers and fostering a thriving business environment. The program actively engages Pearland businesses, offering hands-on support and strategic guidance in areas such as expansion, workforce development, financing, and access to state and local resources.
Through ongoing collaboration and personalized assistance, BizConnect helps companies navigate challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and contribute to Pearland’s continued economic success.
This year, the BizConnect team has met with over 48 Pearland employers and hosted several business development events to strengthen relationships and better understand our business community’s needs.
Interested in learning more anout BizConnect? Emailaperez@pearlandedc.com to learn more.