MONT BELVIEU, Texas – (Realty News Report) Houston-based developer McGrath Real Estate Partners has broken ground on Millhouse, a 16,956-SF retail development in Riceland Town Center, within the company’s 500-acre Riceland master-planned community in Mont Belvieu.

Riceland Town Center anchors the growing community and will also feature a dedicated public green space plus  an expanding collection of commercial, dining and entertainment offerings.

The center was designed to be a “true gathering place” for residents and visitors, and for community events, according to the project announcement.

“The Millhouse represents our commitment to work with the City of Mont Belvieu and their vision to return a ‘town center to the community,’” said Barrett Kirk, McGrath’s chief investment officer. “The Riceland Town Center will deliver thoughtful commercial amenities that elevate daily life for residents while also attracting regional visitors.”

Mont Belvieu City Manager Brian Winningham said, “We are excited to see the groundbreaking for the Riceland Millhouse. The beginning of the Christmas season starts a new chapter for Mont Belvieu City Hall and the first building of the Riceland Town Square.”

TRACTION AND ACTION

The Millhouse complements the buildout progress throughout Riceland’s mixed-use project. The community’s long-term development plan includes 4,500 homes, 30 miles of trails, multiple recreational lakes (including Eagle Lake, a 10-acre stocked lake), 15-acre Otter Lake, two-acre Turtle Lake, and additional lakes in future phases.

Riceland residents also have accessto resort-style pools, multiple outdoor family entertainment amenities andnumerous parks, all connected to the Town Center plaza.

Residential momentum remains strong in Phase I, with Chesmar Homes, David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, and Perry Homes delivering homes that reflect the community’s architectural and family-friendly planning.

Retail leasing for the Millhouse will be managed by Palo Duro Commercial Partners.

The project team includes: SPD Construction, general contractor; TBG Partners, landscape design; Jones Engineering Solutions, civil engineering, Mirador Group, architectural design, Integrity Structural, structural engineering, and Jordan & Skala Engineers, MEP design.

“We are honored to partner with McGrath Real Estate Partners on a project that will play such a defining role in Riceland’s Town Center,” said Rob Walters, CEO of SPD Construction. “Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality commercial destination that reflects the character and long-term vision of this growing community.”

A Pond Stocked with 55,000 Fish

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Here’s a quick status update on the project components:

• The Millhouse is under construction and calls for specialized retail, retail and office space.
• Lakehouse Amenity Center is also under construction. It encompasses an 8,229-SF hub, 10-acre stocked pond (55,000+ fish), lakeside terrace, resort-style pool and athletic club, event lawn, biergarten, and a natural playground with a dog park. Related landscaping and hardscaping of the canal-side trail system are also under way.
• Phase I of residential activity, on 144 acres, includes 109 homes under construction and 417 home lots completed.
• Sweetgum Park is open to residents. It features a playground and walking trails.
• Phase II, on 138 acres, has 19 homes under construction and 311 home lots completed.

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Riceland is located east of Houston and the Grand Parkway, at 1 Town Center Blvd. in the Mont Belvieu municipality.

Riceland: 4,500 Homes, 30 Miles of Trails – and The Millhouse

by Realty News Report December8, 2025

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