By Christina Autry
In 2016, Pulte Homes made the strategic decision to begin townhome development in the heart of the Spring Branch District and has experienced great success. “Spring Branch has been our focus recently,” says Cynthia Nicholson, Manager of Marketing Communications for Pulte Homes. “There are opportunities here that many developers are exploring.” Luis Larios, Sales Consultant at Bauer Park commented, “We have a variety of people moving in, from empty-nesters who want to move closer to Houston, to college graduates buying their first home, to young families. They want to enjoy an in-town lifestyle offered in Spring Branch.”
Positive feedback Pulte received after opening Spring Branch’s Hollister Oaks community in 2016 inspired the construction of eight more similar Pulte complexes in the Houston area. Bauer Park on Hammerly opened shortly thereafter, in which construction of new homes continues. On April 6th, Pulte will open a brand new, 2-story brick and stone townhome community called Summerlyn at Spring Branch, at 1836 Laverne. Even your dog will be excited about this one; Summerlyn will include an onsite dog park.
According to Nicholson, Spring Branch strikes a highly desirable balance between time, affordability, and city living that many homeowners are seeking in Houston. Surrounded by the major thoroughfares of I-10, Sam Houston Tollway, 610, and 290, the location provides easy accessibility for commuting to work or events inside the loop, while benefiting from the environment and businesses Spring Branch has to offer.
Nicholson explains that many buyers seeking an affordable first home do not want to spend valuable time commuting into the city from the suburbs. “Buyers want the urban, metropolitan lifestyle, and they’re willing to forego the big expensive lots to get it,” she says. “A lot of people are downsizing; they’re coming in from the suburbs, and moving from 4,000 square feet to 2,600 square feet because they want the lifestyle and the amenities.”
Resident of Bauer Park, Laura Arrazolo, commented, “My husband and I really like Spring Branch, and we feel safe living here. We’re not right next to I-10, but we’re close enough to the city that it’s very convenient. We’re not too far from Memorial Park, so we go there frequently. I like using Hammerly and Hempstead Road for commuting; it’s easier to get to 610 that way than fighting traffic on 1-10.”
Pulte homeowners have a plethora of options to customize their townhome to suit their lifestyle and design preferences, whether they are planning a new construction or choosing from a pre-existing model. “Every home has backyard space, which is pretty rare. Many lots have the option for a covered patio or deck, and a balcony in front,” says Nicholson. Residents usually designate one floor for entertaining guests, utilizing an open-concept living space and kitchen combo. The new Summerlyn at Spring Branch has townhomes wide enough to accommodate a master bedroom, kitchen, living space, and garage all on the first floor. “Once we moved in,” Arrazolo mentions, “anytime we’ve needed something fixed or need assistance, Pulte customer service has been very helpful and always very nice.”
“This in-town townhome concept has skyrocketed in the past 5 years. Everybody is entering the market,” says Nicholson. “We want to maintain a community feel, with space to be outdoors, which differentiates us from other townhome complexes.” Families with children can access a small park with a playground that borders the Bauer Park complex. Pulte residents in the complexes off Hammerly (Bauer Park, Hollister Oaks, and Summerlyn) can make use of sidewalks stretching from the Beltway 8 to Hempstead, a length almost entirely spanning the width of Spring Branch.
“We really enjoy living in Spring Branch, and we want to buy a house here in the future. We love going to the mom-and-pop restaurants from around the world, and the small businesses, while also still being close to major retailers like HEB and Memorial City Mall,” explains Arrazolo. Spring Branch continues to be a highly desirable location for businesses and people wanting the benefits of both urban and suburban living. And honestly, we can’t wait to see what its future holds.
Pulte Homes
Names, locations and phone numbers for specific complexes: https://www.pulte.com/homes/texas/houston
