The Elyson master planned community near the intersection of FM 529 and The Grand Parkway continues to grow in 2021 according to Newland Communities Representative Heather Gustafson. Gustafson said in a statement released on behalf of the company that expansion on the north side of FM 529 has begun.

“This growth will include a new model home village with 12 fully furnished model homes, a new welcome center, and a greenspace where visitors can relax and discuss their home buying plans. This will open in March,” Gustafson said.

Also coming to the development this year is Timber Grove Park, a new amenity in the community which will be located between Elyson Boulevard and Porter Road in the northern portion of the community. The park will be adjacent to Elyson’s new model home village which will also open this year and showcase a dozen fully furnished model homes for potential residents to tour. The park itself will have multiple water features and walking trails for residents to utilize, according to the development’s website.

In August 2020, Peter McElwain Elementary, a Katy ISD campus, opened in the southern portion of Elyson. The elementary is named for Peter McElwain, who served as an architect for Katy ISD for many years. The campus features hallways with alcoves for study groups as well as group learning spaces outside of traditional classrooms.

“I can’t tell you how proud and honored I feel that the school is named that this particular school is named after me,” McElwain said during interviews on the first day of school.

The development’s first preschool, Kiddie Academy, opened in 2019.

Builders in Elyson include Taylor Morrison, Westin Homes, Lennar Homes, Pulte Homes, Chesmar Homes, Beazer Homes, Perry Homes, Highland Homes, Taylor Homes, Taylor Morrison and Village Builders. Homes range in price from the $240,000 range to $$700,000 or more. Homesites range from 40-65 feet wide, Gustafson said.

“Housing affordability is a growing concern nationally and even in Houston, which is still one of the nation’s most affordable housing markets but has seen prices increase as the costs of building materials and labor rise,” Gustafson said. “By introducing traditional detached homes on smaller homesites, along with innovative products, Elyson is working to help keep the American dream of homeownership alive for a majority of homebuyers.”

In late 2020, Elyson added duplex homes by Beazer Homes with two model hopes available to tour. These homes are priced from the mid-$200,000 range and are designed to appeal to first-time homebuyers and those looking for low maintenance homes.

By the end of November 2020, more than 450 new homes had been sold at Elyson, a 30% increase over sales in 2019. An update on sales in December was not provided in time for publication.

The Shops at Elyson has opened as part of the community along FM 529 at the intersection with Peek Road. So far, the shopping center hosts Elyson Family Dental, the Elyson Animal Hospital, Marcos Pizza and Cunningham cleaners with more on the way.

In September, Elyson welcomed its 1,000th resident, James Clark, who had been a renter all of his life, but wanted to buy a home as he approached retirement. As an avid cyclist, Clark found Elyson attractive, according to a Newland Communities press release.

“I like the idea of riding my bike on a trail and not having to mingle with traffic,” James says. “Elyson is a very pretty community, with ponds and parks to enjoy as I ride.”