The Woodlands Launches Yearlong 50th Anniversary Celebration

THE WOODLANDS, Texas—The Woodlands, one of the most successful master-planned communities in the nation, today launched a yearlong celebration of festivities leading up to a grand celebration on October 19, 2024—exactly 50 years to the date of its official opening.

Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes, and Dr. Ann Snyder, Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Woodlands Township, presided over a kickoff announcement marking half a century of sustainable development that brought together current and founding leaders at The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway.

Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist George P. Mitchell, the 28,500-acre, 44.5-square-mile community reflects his innovative approach to urban planning and community development that embodied environmental preservation and social consciousness.

A wooded oasis of modern living approximately 27 miles north of downtown Houston, The Woodlands is home to more than 120,000 residents, 2,400 employers and nearly 67,000 employees who enjoy an unparalleled quality of life.

“Decades ago, my father, the optimist, envisioned a vibrant community carved out of the forest, living with respect for the natural environment and for one another,” said Grant Mitchell, son of George Mitchell and Cynthia Woods Mitchell. “Its success 50 years on is the product of tens of thousands of individuals who have stewarded his values, affirming his undying belief in the fundamental goodness in people. And it is through that goodness that the legacy of these first 50 years will be assured for generations to come.”

George Mitchell was a pioneer who first envisioned The Woodlands as a self-sustaining, vibrant community where residents could live, work, learn, and play, fully integrated into a naturally forested and preserved environment.

“Howard Hughes continues to be guided by the vision of George Mitchell as we carry his legacy into the future—one that balances a cohesive spirit of community and environmental stewardship with growth and innovation,” said Carman.

“Many of our employees worked alongside George Mitchell and helped first-hand to bring his extraordinary vision to life. At Howard Hughes, we are long-term, committed community builders and are proud to see The Woodlands continually ranked as one of the best communities to live in America.”

The community’s many notable stakeholders have come together in preparation for The Woodlands 50th anniversary.

“The true beauty of the 50th anniversary of The Woodlands is our hometown’s ‘generosity of spirit’ and belief in the good of fellow neighbors that was instilled in the beginning,” reflected Snyder. “The Woodlands Township is committed to its vision of supporting a thriving business community and a premier destination for visitors – a place where generations live, work, worship, learn, and play.”

The significant milestone will be marked by many celebratory events, including the publication of a collection of photographs to be released next year. Residents of The Woodlands are encouraged to submit original photography for consideration for inclusion in the book at TheWoodlands.com

Merchandise sales with a special 50th anniversary logo will be sold by Interfaith of The Woodlands, the longest-established nonprofit organization in the community, with proceeds benefiting the social services agency. Merchandise is available online at The Woodlands.com.

Stories, articles, blogs, and videos to memorialize the community over time will be captured on TheWoodlands.com, along with other photos, special announcements, and event details.  

Howard Hughes, the developer of The Woodlands, is the founding sponsor of the yearlong celebration, along with legacy sponsor Woodforest National Bank, heritage sponsor Waste Connections Inc., gold sponsors Entergy Texas, Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, and silver sponsors SVN/J Beard Real Estate and The John Cooper School.

Bronze sponsors include IAS Wealth Management, Lone Star College, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Market Street, Murphy Private Wealth Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, St. Luke's Health/The Woodlands, The Michael Richmond Family, The Strong Firm, The Woodlands Christian Academy, Winstead PC and Wright Business Technologies, Inc.

IAS Wealth Management. The Woodlands Township is a supporting partner.

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