Johnson Development Breaks Ground on Former Property of The George Foundation

Johnson Development has broken ground on 1,500 acres acquired last year from The George Foundation for a new Fort Bend County master-planned community.

The first phase of the community, located off FM 2977 at Koeblen Road, will encompass 270 homesites, with a mix of 40-, 45-, 50- and 60-foot homesites. Model homes are expected to open in 2026. Planning is ongoing for amenity offerings in the first phase, as well.

“This is a momentous occasion as we take the first steps to demonstrate our vision for a master-planned community that honors the legacy of this land,” said Derek Goff, Vice President and General Manager of the community. “The George Foundation has entrusted Johnson Development with the purchase of the first significant parcel of land the nonprofit has ever sold. We are deeply honored by their confidence and are committed to being dedicated stewards of this remarkable property.” 

The 81-year-old Foundation announced the decision to sell the tract of land early last year, saying the sale was driven by its fiduciary responsibility to fulfill the charitable distribution amounts required by the IRS. As a private foundation, IRS regulations require The George Foundation to distribute 5 percent of its total assets annually, which includes the asset value of the foundation’s vast land holdings.

“This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to supporting the citizens of Fort Bend County by ensuring we have the liquid assets we need to fulfill our charitable mission,” Ruthanne Mefford, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The George Foundation, said at the time. “In fact, The George Foundation is intent on awarding hundreds of millions of dollars to local scholarship recipients and nonprofit partners serving our community over the next century, and this transaction will help us realize this dream.”

The name of the community and builders will be announced later this year. Working with Johnson Development on the project are Clark Condon and Associates and LJA Engineering.

The George Foundation community will be Johnson Development’s ninth community in Fort Bend County, marking a significant milestone during the company’s 50^th anniversary celebration. With nearly 24,000 acres under development, the company is currently the largest developer of master-planned communities in Fort Bend County.

Other Fort Bend communities by Johnson Development include Sienna in Missouri City — the largest master-planned community to date in the history of Fort Bend County; Riverstone and Imperial in the Sugar Land region; Veranda and Harvest Green in Richmond; and Cross Creek Ranch, Jordan Ranch and Cross Creek West in Fulshear.