According to a research study compiled by CDS Market Research, the North Houston region has been – and will continue to be – a high-growth area. Specifically, the population grew by 38% between 1990 and 2000, and by 39% between 2000 and 2009. The population in the market area is projected to continue that pace and grow by another 105,000 over the next five years – equating to more than 6,800 new households per year.

Coventry will get started on infrastructure improvements Springwoods Village during the second quarter 2011. The firm will invest $100 million in community infrastructure over the next five years, Simon says.

Meanwhile, the firm will also kick off land sales. “About 90% of the community will be built out by other builders and developers, although we will be looking at aspects that we may develop ourselves,” Simon tells GlobeSt. “Assuming we make some land sales during the second quarter, vertical construction of office or retail or even residential could begin in 2012.”

Designed for sustainability, Springwoods Village will be developed in a series of districts. The core of the community is a town center environment with hotel, office, retail and residential. The community will also feature an employment district and a medical district. The residential districts will be start with higher density offerings and move into lower density offerings toward the west.

Coventry is in the process of establishing design guidelines for both commercial and residential developers. The guidelines will not only address architectural standards, but sustainability requirements, Simon says. He notes that the firm has not yet decided if it will require third-party certification of green initiatives.

The community will serve a population of 40,000 to 45,000 workers and 12,000 to 15,000 residents. “It’s important to us to have the maximum choice possible for people in terms of housing options,” Simon says, explaining the community will offer apartments, single-family homes including townhomes and housing for the “aging-in-place population”.

As the community grows, land will be donated to provide essential community services. Schools, civic and recreation facilities, libraries, and emergency services will be integrated into the overall plan.

Moreover, the community will feature a 150-acre, ecologically-rich nature preserve featuring a forest habitat, wetlands and a pond. The preserve will connect to the 33-mile Spring Creek Greenway as a public amenity.