About Us

The long-awaited Leonard E. Merrell Center, one of Katy ISD's most recent additions, symbolizes a milestone for the Katy community. For the first time ever, the 145,000 square foot arena provides residents a local gathering place to enjoy a wide-range of events. Funding for the Merrell Center came from a Tax increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), developed in partnership with the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority and, as a result, no additional taxpayer dollars were used to build the Merrell Center. Property tax revenue generated by the Katy Mills Mall is used to pay for the Merrell Center and its operations. The bonds are not Katy ISD bonds, but are issued by the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority. The Merrell Center does not add any additional tax or debt burden to the district. The Merrell Center is a perfect venue for graduation ceremonies, banquets, trade shows, conventions, sporting contests, concerts, and more. Finished in the spring of 2005, the arena swung open its doors in time to host its first two events, the employee service awards and the class of 2005's graduation ceremonies.