HOUSTON—A new cricket complex is coming to northwest Houston. Wolff Companies developed the 68-acre Liendo Park, which Houston businessman, Tanweer Ahmed, combined with a separate 16-acre tract.

The 84-acre development–to be named the Prairie View Cricket Complex–is located at the interchange of US 290 and Liendo Parkway, between Hempstead and Prairie View, located along the upgraded US 290 and near the recently opened Grand Parkway.

“The US 290 corridor has been experiencing unprecedented investment in anticipation of the opening of the new and expanded US 290 at the end of this year,” David Wolff, chairman and president of Wolff Companies, tells GlobeSt.com. “It is a major driver of development in the area.”

Wolff says the completion of the new US 290 is going to have the same effect on northwest Houston as the completion of Interstate 10 did on west Houston–it will open the area to unprecedented levels of high-quality growth.

According to Texas Department of Transportation officials, most major construction–including all widened lanes and new bridges along the main lanes of US 290–will finish in 2018. When complete, US 290 will have 11 lanes, including a reversible HOV lane from Loop 610 to Texas State Highway 6/FM 1950 and nine lanes from there to Waller County.

Ahmed, who has lived in Houston since 2007 and owns several businesses ranging from fast food to medical research to energy, is an avid cricket player, currently playing on team GACCI in the Houston Cricket League. He plans to have two fields playable by April and all 12 to 14 cricket fields including two for evening matches, ready for play by the second quarter of 2019. The sheer number of cricket fields in one location will make this development a unique cricket complex in the United States, he says.

Wolff purchased the land several years ago in anticipation of growth in northwest Houston and because of the property's natural beauty, particularly several old growth live oak trees. While he expected the land would likely be developed for multiple uses, such as retail and service businesses during the course of a few years, he appreciates Ahmed's foresight in buying the entire parcel prior to the re-opening of US 290.

“The deal hits a personal chord for me because Tanweer is an immigrant and a Muslim who came here for the same reasons as my Jewish father came to the United States almost a century ago: work hard, achieve financial security, raise good families and help others. When Tanweer told me of his plans to use Liendo Park to build a nonprofit foundation to encourage the growth of cricket among Houston's youth, I was thrilled,” Wolff says. “Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America. Many of our citizens didn't grow up here. When I arrived in Houston in 1970, the city gave me ample opportunity to build my business. In 2007, it provided the same opportunity to Tanweer. We are both now in the position to give back to our community.”

Ahmed points out that there are numerous cricket leagues and teams in the Houston area and only nine fields between Humble and East Bernard. A player has to drive considerable distances to different fields scattered over a large area. This new cricket complex will be more convenient and allows for more tournaments. Also, these new fields will enable the league of 28 teams to grow to as many as 50 teams.

“Prairie View's economic development director, Dr. Veda Brown, also has expressed excitement about the potential economic impact this cricket complex will have locally,” Ahmed says.

Instant Insights /

New US 290 Corridor Spurs Major Development

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