'15 Minutes From Everything': Spring Branch District Leverages Its Strengths To Support Local Business

If you take a short drive from Downtown Houston, you will find yourself in the Spring Branch District, a diverse, centrally located community that bills itself as “one of the best-kept secrets in Houston.” 

In the last 10 years, this area has undergone a demographic shift, with more younger families moving in and choosing to make the Spring Branch District home. As a result, the area has experienced significant reinvestment, including new single-family housing, destination dining and specialty retail growth that caters to this population. 

The growing community is eager for even more businesses to come and experience everything it has to offer, said Kristen Gonzales, director of services of the Spring Branch Management District. SBMD works to promote public safety, economic development, environmental and urban design, and mobility and transportation in the area. 

“When you’re in the Spring Branch District, you’re pretty much 15 minutes away from everything in Houston,” Gonzales said. “Not only does this put businesses in a great position to attract guests, it's also ideal for businesses seeking regional connectivity and access to a large and diverse customer base.”

The SBMD has created an interactive map to help visitors visualize just how close the Spring Branch District is to several major Houston businesses and landmarks, including the airport. And while the district is already home to many popular shops and restaurants, the new, younger demographic is eager for variety, Gonzales said. 

A Placer.AI demographics report found there is demand in the area for more grocery stores, clothing stores, booksellers, jewelry stores, full- and quick-service restaurants, and more. The report highlights continued retail and service sector opportunities in an already established and growing customer base.

The complete report is posted on the SBMD website. It offers demographics of the district that may be accessed at no cost by those looking for additional information to help evaluate investment opportunities in the Spring Branch District. 

“Twenty years ago, we didn't have the demand for the types of restaurants we have now,” Gonzales said. “Today, those establishments are thriving, and the young families who are moving in are looking for a unique variety of places to go. The businesses that feel like family, that feel like home, those are the ones that do well.” 

The connection between local businesses and family is particularly strong in the Spring Branch District. The area is community-oriented and goes above and beyond to support local businesses, Gonzales said. 

She said that when a local Dairy Queen faced challenges when repairs temporarily closed the bridge that served as a primary traffic route to the business, residents and nearby businesses rallied around the restaurant through social media campaigns and community events that helped maintain customer traffic during the disruption.

“Once you're part of the community, the community will always be there for you,” Gonzales said. 

Along with the support of the local community, businesses that choose to open in the area can expect support from the SBMD. The business improvement and demolition grant programs were established by the SBMD board of directors to provide funds to commercial owners hoping to revitalize their properties. Owners that are looking to do renovations, improve their building’s facade or even tear a property down to the studs and build it back up again may qualify for a grant. 

“These grants are 50% matching grants,” Gonzales said. “And it's not a loan. It is money we award, up to $10K per project per fiscal year. We want to actively invest in the long-term success and revitalization of businesses throughout the district.”

The district also runs several “shop local” initiatives, including a program that operates essentially as a loyalty program for the entire community. The SBMD partnered with Open Rewards to provide shoppers with a cash-back app that gives them points that may be applied for discounts whenever they shop at local businesses. The goal is to encourage people who are coming to shop in the district to stay shopping in the district, Gonzales said.

She added that public safety is closely tied to economic vitality and business confidence, and the SBMD has invested in programs and partnerships that help support a secure, clean and welcoming environment for local businesses. It has a contract with Zaladium, a Houston-based commercial security company that installs cameras that are monitored 24/7, paid for by the SBMD.

The organization has also invested in a private security company, headquartered in the district, that can quickly respond to any trespassing calls. In addition, the SBMD supports a graffiti abatement program to help commercial properties maintain a clean and attractive appearance.

“If graffiti shows up on any commercial property, we will send our crew out at no cost to the property owner to remove it,” Gonzales said. 

The goal is to maintain the beauty of the area, which is enhanced by the many parks and hiking and biking trails that are popular in the community. Spring Branch has embraced the concept of live-work-play by fostering a healthy balance of green spaces, shops and restaurants, and offices for any type of business, Gonzales said.

“We have offices nestled in quiet areas of the community or ones right on the beltway for fast access, whatever works best for your needs,” she said. “No matter what type of customer or client you're hoping to attract, we have the space that's right for them.”

The bottom line is that Spring Branch District is committed to the growth and success of local businesses, Gonzales said. It has the amenities, the large, diverse customer base and the programs businesses need to thrive. 

Looking ahead, the Spring Branch District has plans for further developments, including an industrial warehouse property that is in the process of being transformed into multifamily housing. The goal is to create spaces that best serve the community. 

“Spring Branch is my home, my heart,” Gonzales said. “This is a place that shows up for local businesses. We are always going to be there for each other.” 

To learn more about how the Spring Branch District can support your business, reach out to Kristen Gonzales at Kgonzales@sbmd.org. 

This article was produced in collaboration between the Spring Branch Management District and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.