A build-to-rent townhome community proposed on 20 undeveloped acres south of Broadway Street between Smith Road and Ower Lane drew mixed input but no major objections from city council and Planning and Zoning members during a preliminary discussion Monday.
“We always hear about the missing middle in housing,” Councilman Clint Byrom said during an input discussion with the developer. “I think this has an opportunity to meet that. The only thing that concerns me is you might be trying to over-maximize the density on the project.”
While renting vs. owning is not ideal, Byrom said, “I understand there is a market for it.”
Monday’s workshop discussion was the first step before zoning is requested for the project. A similar development with 153 units was discussed during a joint workshop in 2024, but the development did not follow through with an application.
The current zoning on the site is general business; a zone change to planned development would be needed to move forward.
“They do look kind of smashed together,” Council member Layni Cade said regarding the plan. “I also don’t love build to rent.”
Plans call for 190 townhome rental units with the main entrance from Ower Lane. Units would be a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, garages and community amenities such as a pool and playground.
“There’s not a lot of land left in Pearland that makes sense for a multifamily or townhome site,” Planning and Zoning member Henry Fuertes said. “It’s a perfect transition zone to go from (general business zoning) to the residential.”
