Texas, Florida, Ohio, January 15, 2026
Significant growth and development projects are underway across various states, including data centers in Texas, a new children’s museum in Florida, and infrastructure expansions in Fort Bend County. Notable investments from industry leaders indicate a trend towards entrepreneurial innovation and community investment. This article highlights key projects such as the PowerCampus Dallas in Lancaster, the new children’s museum in Winter Garden, and the expansion plans in Downtown Dallas and Houston’s industrial market.
Major Developments Poised to Impact 2026
Lancaster, Texas: A Data Center Hub
Lancaster, Texas, is set to become a hub for data center development, with significant investments from industry leaders like Skybox Datacenters and STACK Infrastructure. Skybox Datacenters has initiated the first phase of PowerCampus Dallas, a 1-million-square-foot data center campus in Lancaster. The initial 270,900-square-foot facility, representing an $85 million investment, is expected to be completed in early 2026. The campus will feature three state-of-the-art buildings powered by a private on-site substation capable of delivering up to 300 megawatts of electricity.
Winter Garden, Florida: New Children’s Museum
Winter Garden, Florida, is set to welcome a new children’s museum, proposed by Eight Waves. The museum will be located on city-owned land at 971 E. Plant Street and aims to reshape the city’s cultural landscape with a multistory interactive learning space.
Fort Bend County, Texas: Infrastructure Expansion
Fort Bend County, Texas, is preparing for significant growth, with projections estimating a population of one million by 2026. The county is investing over $1.5 billion in infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road and the construction of five new bridges across the Brazos River, opening more than 50,000 acres for development.
Downtown Dallas: Major Development Projects
Downtown Dallas continues to experience growth with several major projects underway. The AT&T Discovery District has transformed the area around AT&T’s world headquarters into a vibrant public space. The National, a $460 million redevelopment of the former First National Bank tower, now includes luxury apartments, the Thompson Hotel, office spaces, and dining options. Alongside this, Carpenter Park, a 5.6-acre urban park, and Harwood Park, a 3.8-acre neighborhood park, are also part of the ongoing developments.
Houston’s Industrial Market Growth
Houston’s industrial real estate market is experiencing strong performance, with vacancy rates at a seven-year low of 5.6%. The market has seen a 43.3% increase in quoted asking rents since Q1 2018. Notable developments include Port 99, a 1.28 million square foot industrial distribution hub, and Tesla’s new 616,463-square-foot battery production facility in the Far West submarket.
Pittsburgh: Construction Boom
Pittsburgh is experiencing a construction boom, with numerous development and redevelopment projects underway. Notable projects include Millcraft’s major aquatic attraction for the Esplanade project on the North Side and Carlow University’s search for a developer for a “front door” project of over 100,000 square feet.
NuScale’s Simulated SMR Control Center at George Mason University
NuScale Power Corp. has opened the largest simulated Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control center at George Mason University’s Fuse at Mason Square facility. This collaboration aims to advance clean energy career ambitions by providing hands-on training and simulation experiences for future nuclear energy professionals.
Bon Secours Mercy Health’s Expansion in Cincinnati
Bon Secours Mercy Health has chosen the Cincinnati region for its hub, following the merger of Cincinnati-based Mercy Health and Maryland-based Bon Secours in 2018. The expansion is expected to significantly impact the region’s economic vitality by centralizing major service functions and a substantial portion of the executive team at the Cincinnati location.
Northwinds Construction’s 40th Anniversary in Houston
Houston-based Northwinds Construction is celebrating 40 years of growth and integrity. Founded in 1985, the family-owned business has become renowned for its commitment to excellence and lasting client relationships, adapting to Houston’s rapid expansion and evolving construction needs.
Seven Starling’s Expansion in Maternal Mental Health Services
Washington, D.C.-based maternal mental health startup Seven Starling has raised $10.9 million in an oversubscribed round led by RH Capital. The company plans to roll out Medicaid coverage in 2025 and expand its services to 24 states, aiming to provide virtual care specializing in therapy for women during fertility, pregnancy, and early motherhood stages.
Stockton’s Residential Real Estate Market Growth
Stockton, California, is experiencing significant growth in its residential real estate market, attracting new residents at twice the rate of the California average over the past decade. The city is developing projects like the proposed mixed-use development at South Pointe, a nine-acre city-owned site along Stockton’s downtown waterfront, aiming to provide multifamily residential units and community facilities.
Conclusion
The developments set to unfold by 2026 across various states illustrate a robust trend towards entrepreneurial innovation and community investment. From burgeoning data centers to new cultural institutions, the focus on infrastructure and creative economic solutions is crucial for regional growth. Keeping an eye on these trends can provide insights into Baltimore’s future and the opportunities it presents for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
What is the significance of Lancaster, Texas, in data center development?
Lancaster, Texas, is set to become a hub for data center development, with significant investments from industry leaders like Skybox Datacenters and STACK Infrastructure. Skybox Datacenters has initiated the first phase of PowerCampus Dallas, a 1-million-square-foot data center campus in Lancaster. The initial 270,900-square-foot facility, representing an $85 million investment, is expected to be completed in early 2026. The campus will feature three state-of-the-art buildings powered by a private on-site substation capable of delivering up to 300 megawatts of electricity.
What are the key features of the children’s museum in Winter Garden, Florida?
Winter Garden, Florida, is set to welcome a new children’s museum, proposed by Eight Waves. The museum will be located on city-owned land at 971 E. Plant Street and aims to reshape the city’s cultural landscape with a multistory interactive learning space.
How is Fort Bend County, Texas, preparing for future growth?
Fort Bend County, Texas, is preparing for significant growth, with projections estimating a population of one million by 2026. The county is investing over $1.5 billion in infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road and the construction of five new bridges across the Brazos River, opening more than 50,000 acres for development.
What are the major development projects in Downtown Dallas?
Downtown Dallas continues to experience growth with several major projects underway. The AT&T Discovery District has transformed the area around AT&T’s world headquarters into a vibrant public space. The National, a $460 million redevelopment of the former First National Bank tower, now includes luxury apartments, the Thompson Hotel, office spaces, and dining options. Carpenter Park, a 5.6-acre urban park, and Harwood Park, a 3.8-acre neighborhood park, are also part of the ongoing developments.
What is the current state of Houston’s industrial real estate market?
Houston’s industrial real estate market is experiencing strong performance, with vacancy rates at a seven-year low of 5.6%. The market has seen a 43.3% increase in quoted asking rents since Q1 2018. Notable developments include Port 99, a 1.28 million square foot industrial distribution hub, and Tesla’s new 616,463-square-foot battery production facility in the Far West submarket.
| Location | Project/Development | Investment/Size | Completion Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster, Texas | PowerCampus Dallas | $85 million; 270,900 sq. ft. | 2026 | 3 buildings with on-site substation |
| Winter Garden, Florida | Children’s Museum | N/A | N/A | Multistory interactive learning space |
| Fort Bend County, Texas | Infrastructure Expansion | $1.5 billion+ | 2026 | Bridges, road extensions, development of 50,000 acres |
| Downtown Dallas | AT&T Discovery District | $460 million | N/A | Vibrant public space; luxury apartments |
| Houston | Industrial Real Estate Growth | N/A | N/A | Lowest vacancy rate; Port 99 distribution hub |
| Pittsburgh | Construction Boom | N/A | N/A | Aquatic attraction; redevelopment projects |
| George Mason University | NuScale Control Center | N/A | N/A | Hands-on nuclear energy training |
| Cincinnati | Bon Secours Mercy Health Expansion | N/A | N/A | Centralized hub for healthcare services |
| Maternal Mental Health | Seven Starling Expansion | $10.9 million | 2025 | Medicaid coverage; virtual care for women |
| Stockton, California | Residential Development | N/A | N/A | Mixed-use development on waterfront |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Engage in Your Future at Fifth District Budget Town Hall
Annapolis Initiates City Dock Construction Project
Baltimore Weather Update and Economic Resilience
Maryland Commuters Face Major Traffic Disruptions
Maryland Governor Unveils Economic Strategy to Boost Growth
Public Meeting for Infrastructure Enhancement at Mount Vista Park
DECADE Act to Enhance Economic Competitiveness in Baltimore
How to Effectively Research Baltimore’s Real Estate Listings: A First-Time Buyer’s Guide for Baltimore MD
BWI Airport Unveils New Concourse A/B Connector
Strengthening Baltimore’s Black-Owned Businesses: District 40 and 45 Candidates Propose Impactful Strategies
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
