Investors, headed up by developer Monty Galland, officially closed on approximately 600 acres near the Flying J Travel Plaza in New Caney as first reported by Prime Property. (CultureMap was first to write about the proposed park back on Feb. 20). Now construction is expected to begin on the theme park later this year for a projected completion in the spring of 2015.
"This is a huge, huge market," said Chuck Hendrix, a former Six Flags executive who managed AstroWorld. He now serves as CEO of Innovation Leisure Partners, the group slated to manage Grand Texas Theme Park.
Cost estimates for the theme park were first anticipated near the $205 million mark, including four dining establishments, a 200- to 400-room hotel plus two limited-service hotels, a reception hall, a chapel, the Big Rivers Water Park, a paintball arena and an amphitheater for live music.
"Never before have you had a major theme park depart a market and then be gone for six years with nothing to replace it."
Grand Texas Theme Park
Get Directions - 23413 TX-242 New Caney
** posted in Culture Map Houston on 7/8/13**