La Porte Adding Hotels, Retail

La Porte, a town of 37,000 in the Greater Houston area, is experiencing a growth spurt. A dual-branded hotel recently broke ground, and two more are proposed. A retail center and restaurant row are also planned.

The Houston Business Journal reports that the owners of two existing hotels on the southwest corner of Fairmont Parkway and State Highway 146, Home2 Suites by Hilton La Porte and Candlewood Suites La Porte, started construction in October on a four-story, 135-key dual-branded Marriott hotel—TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn. Mahalaxmi Hotels is planning a one-building, 8,700-square-foot retail center next to the new hotel and its existing hotels along South 13th Street

A Hampton Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express have also been proposed.

Meanwhile, across the Highway 146/Fairmont Parkway intersection, a former Wells Fargo bank building has been demolished and will be the site for three new restaurants.