The star of the "business image" development is the 30-story, 800,000-sf international headquarters building being constructed by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. But there are other players boosting the perception of the development as a business center, including the Waterway and the College Corridor.

"We had an outstanding year," Richmond tells GlobeSt.com, "and we are reasonably optimistic that we have another very successful year ahead of us. I can't name names but I can tell you that our focus will be on the office, retail and entertainment components of Town Center. We'll work to expand the Research Forest and continue retail expansion along our College Corridor, which is State Hwy. 242 and I-45 highway frontage."

Richmond says the new business image has evolved from two turning points: the regional mall and the Woodlands Waterway, a linear transportation corridor, much like San Antonio's Riverwalk. Parts of the waterway will open in October prior to construction of a full venue of entertainment facilities.