Ellison Development’s William Trails wins Community Entrance at PRISM Awards

William Trails, a new Ellison Development community in Willis, won the Community Entrance award at the 2026 Houston's Best PRISM Awards. The recognition comes as the 104-acre neighborhood prepares to open a park by the end of 2026 and continues selling D.R. Horton homes starting in the $150s.

Why it matters: - The PRISM Awards are Houston homebuilding’s top honor, so the win gives William Trails and Ellison Development added visibility in a competitive market. - The award also spotlights a community built around entry design, amenities and affordability, all of which help shape buyer interest in Montgomery County. - The recognition comes as the community prepares new amenities that are meant to deepen its appeal to families.

What happened: - William Trails, a new home community in Willis developed by Ellison Development, won the Community Entrance award at the 2026 Houston's Best PRISM Awards. - The win completed an Ellison sweep of the category, with McCrorey Trails and Castle's Edge taking the two finalist spots. - The community park is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. - William Trails is a 104-acre community near the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Conroe. - The community is zoned to Willis ISD.

The details: - The park will include a pickleball court, basketball court, covered pavilion, playground and walking trails. - Ellison designed the park around the carefree outdoor days of the 1980s. - The award-winning entrance uses hand-crafted wood, stone and prominent boulders. - The entrance design is meant to reflect William Trails' namesake, Bill Ellison, and the path of his early life. - Story signs line the main drive under the community tagline: All Trails Lead You Home. - D.R. Horton Cottage Series homes at William Trails range from about 813 to 1,206 square feet. - Home prices currently start in the $150s. - D.R. Horton Houston Northeast new home sales counselor Silvia Jimenez called the entrance unique, welcoming and full of personality. - Jimenez said the team is especially excited about the new park planned to open by the end of 2026. - Artem Dasov, another D.R. Horton Houston Northeast sales counselor, said the partnership works because both companies want communities where people are proud to live. - Dasov said Ellison builds neighborhoods and D.R. Horton provides affordably priced homes that help more individuals and families achieve homeownership. - Ellison Development was also named a finalist for Developer of the Year at this year's awards. - Ellison Development is a Conroe-based residential developer focused on affordable new home communities in Montgomery County. - The company partners with D.R. Horton across its community portfolio.

Between the lines: - The award reinforces a broader strategy at William Trails: use a distinctive entrance, planned amenities and lower-priced homes to stand out in the North Houston market. - The park and entrance both lean into nostalgia and place-based storytelling, which can help a new community feel established before full buildout. - The finalist sweep suggests Ellison Development has built momentum beyond a single project.

What's next: - William Trails is expected to open its park by the end of 2026. - Buyers can continue to find D.R. Horton homes at the community starting in the $150s. - More information is available at Ellison Development's website. - Ellison Development continues to market award-winning communities across Montgomery County and nearby Texas counties.

The bottom line: - William Trails won one of Houston homebuilding’s top design honors just as it moves toward a major amenity opening that could strengthen demand.