2 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Strategic redevelopment partnerships drive growth along Pearland's SH 35 Corridor
Pearland is a top destination for industrial and manufacturing development in the Greater Houston area, with its State Highway 35 corridor poised for long-term growth. Thanks to a proactive strategy, strong infrastructure investment, and a collaborative approach to business, the city is creating new opportunities for companies seeking high-quality industrial space and access to a skilled workforce.
At the center of this momentum is Edge Industrial Park, a new 36-acre business park developed by Houston-based Stewart Development. Located at the southwest corner of SH 35 and McHard Road, the park offers nine freestanding, crane-ready buildings ranging from 20,000 to 34,000 square feet, designed to meet the needs of light manufacturing and distribution users. The first three buildings are expected to be completed later this summer.
'Pearland is a strategic choice,' said Brett Barnes, Vice President of Stewart Development. 'You've got great connectivity, a strong workforce, and a city that really understands what it takes to make projects successful.'
That success is no accident. The Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) and the City of Pearland have invested heavily in the State Highway 35 Corridor Redevelopment Strategy —a multi-year effort aimed at revitalizing this long-established business corridor and strengthening Pearland's economic base. The strategy covers the corridor from Beltway 8 to the city's southern limits and focuses on infrastructure upgrades, development incentives, and proactive business recruitment.
'From the beginning, the collaboration with PEDC felt more like a true partnership,' Barnes said. 'They saw early on that there was a gap in the real estate market for smaller-footprint, Class-A industrial buildings and helped us move this project forward.'
In March 2024, the City and PEDC finalized a development agreement with Stewart Development to support Edge Industrial Park's construction. The public-private partnership included site development assistance and infrastructure coordination, accelerating timelines and creating a clear path from vision to reality.
That hands-on support proved critical in navigating challenges around timing, permitting, and utilities. Rather than slowing progress, the development team and local officials rolled up their sleeves and worked side-by-side to keep the project on track.
'We had a few hurdles, but the team stayed focused and solutions-oriented,' said Barnes. 'It's been one of the more efficient and collaborative experiences we've had.'
The area surrounding Edge Industrial Park is already home to long-established businesses like Kemlon and Profax-Lenco, which have been part of the Pearland community for decades. Pearland's strategic position—just minutes from Beltway 8, William P. Hobby Airport, and the Port of Houston—makes it a natural hub for industrial tenants who rely on transportation access and regional connectivity.
Barnes called Edge a 'long-term play' for Stewart Development and noted rising demand in the South Beltway for modern space that meets both operational and logistical needs. The speculative buildings currently under construction will give companies immediate options to locate in Pearland, while the pad sites offer room for build-to-suit expansion.
With more than 130,000 residents and a strong pipeline of workforce talent, Pearland is increasingly viewed as a city that's ready for business. Through the SH 35 strategy and partnerships like the one forged at Edge Industrial Park, the city is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.
'These projects help diversify Pearland's economy, create jobs, and strengthen the tax base for the city, county, and local schools,' said Valerie Marvin, Vice President of PEDC. 'It's about building something that lasts—not just for today's businesses, but for the future of Pearland.'
Established in 1995 by the voters of Pearland, the is the leading economic development group for the thriving, business-friendly community of Pearland, Texas. PEDC focuses on business attraction, retention, and marketing; transportation, mobility, and infrastructure; developing Lower Kirby; corridors and beautification.
