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City of Sugar Land invites residents to help guide Imperial District redevelopment

Nov. 3-6 planning sessions will guide reuse of historic site including the Char House

SUGAR LAND, Texas (Oct. 7, 2025) — The city of Sugar Land will host a series of community planning sessions for the Imperial Redevelopment Project from Nov. 3-6, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of the Imperial Historic District, home of the former Imperial Sugar site and the iconic 100-year-old Char House.

Sugar Land officially acquired the approximately 40-acre site earlier this year, marking the first time in history the property has been publicly owned. This pivotal acquisition removes long-standing barriers that have hindered private development efforts for decades. Public ownership allows the City to lead thoughtful redevelopment that preserves the site’s historic character while creating a vibrant, community-focused destination.

“Redeveloping the Imperial Historic District has been a long-standing priority for both the City Council and our residents,” said Mayor Carol McCutcheon. “These sessions are an essential part of shaping a shared vision for redevelopment—one that honors the site’s history, preserves its iconic structures, and creates a thriving district our community is proud of.”

The input gathered during these sessions will establish a vision for the project and inform the selection of a private development partner. The master development partner selection process is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 through a request for qualifications, followed by a request for proposals to establish a concept plan.

The sessions will include interactive workshops, topical discussions and presentations where residents can share ideas on housing types, mixed-use development, transportation, arts, culture, history and public spaces. Community members are encouraged to participate in as many sessions as their schedules permit.

Open Studio, or office hours, are also available for those who are unable to attend the group events or prefer to share their feedback one-on-one.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Monday, Nov. 3 – T.E. Harman Center, 226 Matlage Way
    • Opening Presentation: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Sugar Land Heritage Museum, 198 Kempner St.
    • Open Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
    • Topical Meeting 1: History, Culture & Arts, 7-8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 5 – Sugar Land Heritage Museum
  • Open Studio: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Topical Meeting 2: Walking, Biking & Driving, 12-1 p.m.
    • Topical Meeting 3: Housing, Mixed Use & Public Space, 7-8 p.m.

    For more information about how to participate and session details, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/imperialhistoricdistrict.

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    About the City of Sugar Land

    WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS ... relentless in our pursuit of progress so that our employees, residents, and businesses can enjoy a life better than they ever imagined. Sugar Land has always been a city that surpasses expectations, fearlessly forging new paths while delivering top-tier services to its residents. According to our latest Citizen Satisfaction Survey, 95 percent of residents love calling Sugar Land home, with 10 percent saying that nothing could make their lives better than they already are. As a community built on entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to the future, we aim to be a city that the private sector looks to for inspiration. We don’t just follow trends—we set them. With unwavering determination, we are trailblazing a path toward a vibrant future where innovation and progress thrive. The possibilities are endless. Together, we can ensure a bright future for Sugar Land.

    About the City of Sugar Land Office of Economic Development, Tourism, (SLOEDT) and Department of Redevelopment

    The Sugar Land Office of Economic Development and Tourism (SLOEDT), a department of the City of Sugar Land, is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and a vibrant visitor economy. Through its two divisions: Business Development and Tourism, SLOEDT focuses on attracting new businesses, retaining existing employers, revitalizing the community, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering tourism. These efforts play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents, supporting local businesses, and welcoming visitors.

    Working alongside SLOEDT, the Department of Redevelopment plays a key role in strengthening Sugar Land’s economic future. With a mission to advocate for and support development and redevelopment that sustain strong community services and a thriving quality of life, the department facilitates strategic public-private partnerships and implements reinvestment and redevelopment strategies that bolster the city’s long-term fiscal health.

    Together, these departments support a unified vision for prosperity and growth. For more information, visit www.SugarLandEcoDev.com or contact ecodev@sugarlandtx.gov.

    Media Contact:
    Lou Hammond Group, sugarland@louhammond.com