Sugar Land's Belknap Brookside Neighborhood to be Reimagined with Better Block Activation
SUGAR LAND, TX – September 16, 2025 – The City of Sugar Land’s Civic Arts Division, in partnership with the international nonprofit Better Block, is launching its first-ever Better Block project in Sugar Land. Together with neighbors and local volunteers, the Civic Arts team will temporarily transform 119 Brooks Street in the Belknap Brookside neighborhood into a vibrant gathering place filled with art, music, and community-driven design.
The redesigned space will feature a space for live music and performances, interactive art, native landscaping, shaded seating areas, a beer and wine garden, and family-friendly spaces designed to bring people together. These temporary enhancements will serve as a demonstration of what’s possible for the long-term future of the neighborhood.
Sugar Land’s Civic Arts Division is funded by the Sugar Land 4B (SL4B) corporation, with dollars sourced from local sales tax revenue, SL4B supports the Civic Arts Division due to its mission to support public art, placemaking, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life across the city.
The six-month activation will launch with two free community events:
Friday, September 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Neighbors are invited not only to attend but also to volunteer and play a hands-on role in shaping the space. From painting and planting to assembling temporary structures, community members will help bring the vision to life and create a welcoming place that reflects local creativity and culture.
“This project has been an honor to work on alongside the Civic Arts Division and the Sugar Land Better Block Core Team,” said Marissa Lopez, Better Block Project Manager. “They are such a passionate and dedicated team wanting to showcase the history and community of Sugar Land. The goal of this project is to bring people together and gather feedback on what the community would like to see in this space. We’re excited to have everyone come out and experience Sugar Land Better Block.”
Sha Davis, Civic Arts Manager, shared her excitement: “We are incredibly proud to bring an innovative creative placemaking project like Better Block to Sugar Land. This is more than a temporary transformation; it’s about reimagining how underutilized spaces can become vibrant centers of community life. What makes this project so special is that it’s being built by the community, for the community, with residents shaping everything from the design to the artists, musicians, and vendors who will bring the space to life.”
“Supporting projects like Sugar Land Better Block directly reflects our mission at SL4B,” said Kurt Kirchof, President of the Sugar Land 4B Board. “Investments in civic arts and placemaking are investments in quality of life. By funding projects that bring people together, celebrate local culture, and reimagine how we use public spaces, we’re helping ensure that Sugar Land continues to thrive as a vibrant, connected community.”
The Better Block’s proven 120-day process places the community at the center of every step, design, planning, and implementation, culminating in hands-on workshops where neighbors gather to build, paint, plant, and celebrate a people-centered space.
The City’s Department of Redevelopment will also be present at the events to celebrate this revitalization project and to share information about ongoing initiatives such as the preservation and redevelopment of the Imperial Historic District, the Great Homes program, and other efforts aimed at strengthening Sugar Land’s neighborhoods.
Want to get involved? Sign up to volunteer, stay updated on the project, and learn more at: betterblock.org/sugarland
Event Details:
Better Block Opening Weekend
- Friday, September 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: 119 Brooks Street, Belknap Brookside Neighborhood
About Better Block
The Better Block is an international urban design nonprofit based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to revitalizing communities by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, walkable, and people-centered places.
About Sugar Land Civic Arts
Sugar Land Civic Arts aims to foster a vibrant artistic community that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Through collaborations with artists, neighbors, and cultural institutions, Civic Arts is committed to shaping Sugar Land into a flourishing arts destination through public art, creative placemaking, and community engagement.
For more information and updates, follow us on Instagram @slcivicarts