Market Street, a walkable, suburban town center that seamlessly blends stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues with office and hotels, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. This mixed-use center, which opened in 2004, was a departure from the traditional indoor and outdoor retail-only developments of the time. Today, Market Street remains one of the nation’s top-performing outdoor shopping centers, driven by continuous innovation and enduring appeal.
As Market Street approaches its 21st year, the center is set to continue evolving with new updates. In the space that previously housed La Madeleine, Local Public Eatery is set to move in, with construction beginning this week. This Canadian-based restaurant, which has locations in Dallas and Seattle, plans to open its doors to the public in early summer.
In addition to Local Public Eatery, Sur La Table will be relocating and expanding to include a kitchen, allowing the kitchen experts to host cooking classes and other events. Construction on its new location is set to begin in February.
The concept of Market Street was born out of a vision to create a mixed-use center that would provide a sense of community and meet the ever-changing needs of its market. According to Terry Montesi, founder and CEO of Trademark Properties, which developed Market Street, the key to success lies in meeting the community’s needs and providing an experience that exceeds expectations.
"Really great mixed-use town centers are committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of their market and give the surrounding community a sense of ownership," Montesi said. "If you listen to the community, find out what it needs, and provide an experience that exceeds expectations and is always evolving, the project will become the heart and soul of the region, just as Market Street has done for The Woodlands."
Market Street’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of retail, dining, and entertainment options, as well as its commitment to community engagement. The center has become a vital amenity that enriches the lives of residents and guests, offering a premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Jim Carman, President of the Houston Region for Howard Hughes, commended the Market Street team for 20 remarkable years of enhancing the quality of life for residents and welcoming guests from near and far. "We applaud the Market Street team for their commitment to innovation and community engagement, which has made Market Street a beloved destination in The Woodlands," he said.
Boosting the Community
From the beginning, Market Street has given back to the local community through its Change for Charity program, which benefits four Montgomery County charities each year. The program, which was launched in 2019, has raised over $400,000 for the local community. This year, the program will support The Woodlands Kiwanis Club, New Danville, and Mosaics of Mercy, as well as the school that wins the annual Sing-Off, scheduled for December 2025.
Market Street’s Change for Charity program is made possible through the support of its guests and patrons, who insert their change into premium parking meters and donate at monthly Woodlands Car Club events. The program has raised over $350,000 since its inception.
The Woodlands Car Club also plays a significant role in the Change for Charity program, hosting events throughout the year that raise money for the selected charities. The club’s contributions, combined with the change donated by Market Street’s guests, make up the total amount given to each selected charity each quarter.
Market Street, a Community Center
Market Street’s Central Park serves as the primary gathering place and hosts signature events for the community, including the Spring and Fall Concert Series, the Spring Fine Arts Show, and the Market Street in Lights Tree Lighting Celebration. The park is also home to the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade.
Jenny Taylor, Market Street’s general manager, believes that the center has become a place where people bring their families from out of town to show off. "This is our downtown," she said. "People get engaged here, celebrate birthdays and graduations here. I think one of the other things we’ve really become known for is our photo opportunities. Our photo backdrops. Our Instagrammable moments, whether that’s windows scenes that we do, or some kind of pop-up, fun thing to stand in front of with your kids — Back to school or Valentine’s Day. We’re always doing something around a holiday."
Austin-based Yeti, Golden Goose, Oliver Peoples, and Alo, Boss all opened in Market Street in 2024. Other changes included a Starbucks remodel and Thomas Markle Jewelers relocating to a new space across the street from its old location.
As Market Street approaches its 21st year, it continues to evolve as a destination shopping experience. "I think the biggest thing about being 20 years old is just how much we’ve been embraced by the community and how much we’ve evolved as well to stay current," Taylor said. "We’re continuing to evolve."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Market Street?
A: Market Street is a walkable, suburban town center that blends stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues with office and hotels.
Q: How long has Market Street been around?
A: Market Street was opened in 2004 and is now celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Q: What is the Change for Charity program?
A: The Change for Charity program is a program that benefits four Montgomery County charities each year, raising over $400,000 for the local community.
Q: What is the Woodlands Car Club?
A: The Woodlands Car Club is a group that hosts events throughout the year to raise money for the selected charities through the Change for Charity program.
Q: What are some of the events held at Market Street?
A: Market Street hosts various events, including the Spring and Fall Concert Series, the Spring Fine Arts Show, and the Market Street in Lights Tree Lighting Celebration.
Q: What is the photo opportunity at Market Street?
A: Market Street offers photo backdrops and Instagrammable moments, including windows scenes and pop-up displays, making it a popular destination for families and visitors.
