Each month leading up to The Woodlands 50th Anniversary celebration, content is created to honor the past, present and future of our community. For the month of September, this is the second installment in a four-part series on governance.
The Woodlands, renowned as one of the country’s most prestigious master planned communities, today spans an impressive 28,500 forested acres. Initially, The Woodlands was envisioned across 17,460 acres, purchased through several land transactions, with plans for future growth that would call for the need of a more unified form of local government.
In this second installment of a four-part series, we will explore the early governance of the Community Associations and the Town Center Improvement District that laid the groundwork for The Woodlands’ unique approach.
From the beginning, Founder George Mitchell and The Woodlands Corporation, now Howard Hughes, created Community Associations, or Homeowners’ Associations, to provide the initial governance structure for The Woodlands. While residents often refer to this as the “A-B-Cs” of government, understanding these foundational elements reveals how they ultimately led to the formation of The Woodlands Township, the special-purpose district that serves the community. Notably, The Woodlands is the only community in Texas that is governed by a special-purpose district.
Three Founding Community Associations
- The Woodlands Community Associations, Inc. (WCA)
The Woodlands Community Associations, Inc. (WCA) was formed in 1974. The WCA was established to provide government-type services to residents in the Village of Grogan’s Mill (opened in 1974), Panther Creek (opened in 1977), Cochran’s Crossing (opened in 1983), and Indian Springs (opened in 1983), east of Falconwing Drive.
Joel Deretchin, former Vice President of Public Affairs with The Woodlands Corporation, helped bring the concept of Community Associations to fruition. With the continuation of development in The Woodlands, two additional Associations were formed – The Woodlands Association, Inc. and The Woodlands Commercial Owners Association, Inc.
- The Woodlands Association, Inc. (TWA)
The Woodlands Association, Inc. (TWA) provided municipal-type services to the Villages of Indian Springs (opened in 1983), west of Falconwing Drive, Alden Bridge (opened in 1994), Sterling Ridge (opened in 1999), College Park (opened in 2001), and Creekside Park (opened in 2007).
- The Woodlands Commercial Association, Inc. (WCOA)
The Woodlands Commercial Association, Inc. (WCOA) was formed to provide governmental services to commercial owners in the Town Center, Research Forest, and College Park areas.
“These three associations were a combination of 28 resident-elected and developer-appointed directors who provided services for fire protection, emergency medical services, enhanced law enforcement, covenant administration and neighborhood watch as well as maintained parks, pathways and pools,” said Nelda Blair, the first Chairman of the Board for The Woodlands Township and Founder of the Blair Law Firm. “All of these resident volunteers collaborated to develop effective government services for The Woodlands.”
Homeowners supported the Community Associations by paying assessments that financed the services provided by the Associations.
“The three founding Community Associations, while offering similar community services, functioned independently. Why not establish a unified service organization that consolidates their offerings into a single, streamlined point of access?” stated Deretchin. “The Woodlands Community Services Corporation was then created.”
The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC)
In 1992, The Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC) was established as a “Super Board”. Its role included serving as a primary funding source for the WCA, TWA, and WCOA, and providing staffing for shared service needs.
The WCSC became responsible for daily operations of the Associations.
Town Center Improvement District (TCID)
In 1993, the Texas legislature’s creation of the Town Center Improvement District (TCID) was a prime development for The Woodlands’ governance and economic structure. Established to serve as the community’s central business district, the TCID was a response to the rapid growth in the downtown urban district of The Woodlands. This growth was highlighted by corporate relocations, the opening of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in 1990, and the launch of The Woodlands Mall in 1994—significant additions to The Woodlands Town Center.
The TCID was responsible for fostering and advancing economic development in The Woodlands Town Center, a burgeoning 1,000-acre business and commerce district designed to feature premier office space, retail, dining, world-class entertainment, residences and The Woodlands Waterway, all within a pedestrian-friendly urban environment at the heart of the community.
Visionary Approach
“The Woodlands was strategically planned by George Mitchell with a focus on residential development first, laying the groundwork and support for The Woodlands Town Center – a regional commercial destination with a thriving mix of premier office space, retail, dining, and entertainment options. This deliberate approach aimed to create a central hub that would enhance the overall community experience and attract businesses, residents and visitors,” stated Carman. “Today, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Mitchell’s original vision, ensuring that The Woodlands continues to prosper as a vibrant and integrated community.”
Looking ahead in the next installment of this series, The Woodlands was set to evolve into a more cohesive governance structure, which eventually resulted in the formation of The Woodlands Township. This transition was driven by the community’s changing needs and aspirations.
———
Many thanks to The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Sponsors:
FOUNDING – Howard Hughes
PRODUCER – The Woodlands Township
LEGACY – Woodforest National Bank
HERITAGE – Waste Connections Inc.
GOLD – Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital
SILVER – Ovintiv, SVN/JBeard Real Estate, The John Cooper School