Hydro Excavation for Storm Infrastructure at The Shops at Theis and Cherry

At Lone Star Development, we believe that how a project is built matters just as much as what is built. At The Shops at Theis and Cherry, that philosophy is on full display—not just in the architecture and tenant mix, but in the behind-the-scenes construction decisions that ensure safety, longevity, and respect for the surrounding community.

A Modern Retail Development in Tomball

The Shops at Theis and Cherry is a new, thoughtfully designed commercial development serving Tomball, Spring, and The Woodlands, offering opportunities for retail, restaurant, office, and medical leasing. Unlike traditional strip centers that dominate much of the area, this project is being designed with modern, stand-out architecture, clean lines, upgraded materials, and a layout that prioritizes visibility, access, and long-term tenant success.

Our goal is to create a center that elevates the surrounding area—both aesthetically and functionally—while attracting high-quality businesses that want to grow alongside the community.

Lone Star Development: Developer and Builder

One thing that sets Lone Star Development apart is that we don’t just develop projects—we self-manage the construction process. This allows us to maintain tighter control over quality, scheduling, safety, and decision-making in the field.

A perfect example of this hands-on approach is the installation of the storm drainage system for The Shops at Theis and Cherry.

Installing Storm Drainage Through a Challenging Easement

To properly serve the site, a new storm drain pipe had to be installed through a narrow easement corridor. The alignment required us to pass between an existing house and a fence line, leaving very little room for error.

Despite the tight conditions, we were able to complete this portion of the work without any damage to private property, neighboring structures, or fencing. This was the result of careful planning, precise execution, and choosing the right construction methods.

Why We Used Hydro Excavation

As the storm system continued toward the rear of the property, we encountered a utility easement that we were required to cross. The site’s storm drainage must ultimately tie into an existing 18-inch storm pipe that connects to the neighborhood’s street sewer system behind the development.

We knew in advance that this easement contained CenterPoint power lines and AT&T data lines—utilities that are both dangerous and cannot be damaged. Rather than risking traditional excavation, Lone Star Development brought in a hydro excavation crew.

What Is Hydro Excavation?

Hydro excavation is a safe and precise excavation method that uses:

• High-pressure water to break up soil

• A powerful vacuum system to remove the loosened material

This process allows underground utilities to be carefully exposed without contact from metal equipment, dramatically reducing the risk of damage, outages, or injury.

Using hydro excavation, we were able to:

• Safely locate power and data lines

• Expose utilities exactly where needed

• Measure elevations using specialized surveying devices

• Send accurate field data to our engineers for analysis

Most importantly, this was done without injuries, outages, or service interruptions to the surrounding neighborhood.

What Comes Next

Now that the utilities have been located and documented, the next step is coordination. We are currently working with CenterPoint Energy and our civil engineers to determine the best path forward for tying into the existing storm system while maintaining required clearances and safety standards.

At this stage, the exact solution is still being evaluated—but that’s part of real-world development. Complex sites require adaptability, coordination, and persistence. And we will push through, find the right solution, and keep the project moving forward.

Building the Right Way

Projects like The Shops at Theis and Cherry reflect Lone Star Development’s commitment to:

• Safe construction practices

• Thoughtful infrastructure planning

• Respect for neighboring properties

• Long-term value for tenants and investors

Whether you’re looking for retail, restaurant, office, or medical space in Tomball, Spring, or The Woodlands, or you’re simply interested in how modern commercial developments are built, we’re proud to share the process—not just the finished product.

Stay tuned as construction continues and the site takes its next steps forward.