The City of Magnolia is beginning to see a boost in economic growth as many new businesses and residential properties are opening, preparing to open or showing interest in the small town’s market.

The most prominent buildings looking to open their doors in the coming months are the Magnolia Bible Church (right) and Magnolia Trails (left), a retirement facility for seniors, located on Nichols Sawmill Road.

Mark-Dana Corporation President and developer of Magnolia Trails David Koogler said that the first building in the retirement facility would be open to occupants in October.

“We are currently on pace to have the first part of Magnolia Trails ready for occupancy in October of this year and hope to have the entire property finished by the end of the year,” he said.

Magnolia Bible Church appears to be well under way with its construction. Pastor Scot Wall said the plan is to have the building completed in November.

In addition, Economic Development Coordinator Deborah Rose Miller said a Papa John’s Pizza opened recently on FM 1488. The location previously housed a movie rental store.

Pizza Hut’s Wing Street is currently under construction, Miller added. The building will also be along FM 1488.

Miller said one of the businesses previously located along 10th Street, which was vacated for the construction of FM 1774, will be re-opening in the Renaissance Center.

Mo-Co’s Grill is set to open Aug. 8, making it the 25th eatery within the city limits, Miller said.

One of the larger new business prospects is Walgreens, which is considering a property and making arrangements to build a location on 10th Street next to the Farmers Market. City council recently held a public hearing to abandon part of the property along 10th Street if Walgreens chooses to build a location there.

Koogler is in the process of obtaining funds to construct Timberbrook Village Apartments on the south side of Nichols Sawmill Road. He said the apartments would be suited for low-to-moderate income single families.

Currently, the building is not under construction.

“We will not know whether Timberbrook Village will be in a position to go forward this year until the end of this month,” he said.

More businesses in Magnolia create more sales tax for the 4B Community Development Corporation. One fourth of 1 percent sales tax is dedicated to community development by the residents of Magnolia.

“The tax provides cities with a wider range of uses for the tax revenues because it is intended to give communities an opportunity to undertake a project for quality of life improvements. The Section 4B tax can be used to fund projects that are typically considered to be community development initiatives,” according to the City of Magnolia. “Authorized categories under Section 4B include, among others, land, buildings, equipment, facilities, expenditures and improvements for professional and amateur sports facilities, park facilities and events, entertainment, convention and tourist facilities.”

Miller said the city is working to bring more businesses to the area. The city will hold a VIP Reception at the “Yellow House” at the upcoming Tailgate Party on the Stroll for local and prospective businesses.

The city also opened two additional visitor centers, one at 423 Magnolia Blvd., and another at 18010 FM 1488 which offer information about Magnolia as well as the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Overall, Miller said the developments are showing that economic growth is pressing forward for Magnolia.

“It’s starting to move,” she said.

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