Sugar Land officials held a public groundbreaking on Nov. 5 for a $15 million project to preserve the Imperial Sugar Char House, a century-old landmark. City officials said the work will protect the building from further deterioration and prepare the site for future reuse after more than 20 years of vacancy. Construction is expected to begin in December, with completion estimated for March 2028.
The work includes a new roof, structural repairs to the exterior walls, steel and masonry repairs, and mechanical and electrical improvements. The Imperial Sugar signage will also be restored. The City Council approved using $15 million in future sales tax revenue for the project less than a month earlier.
Mayor Carol McCutcheon said the city is reviewing proposals from prospective master developers and expects to select a partner in the coming months. Former Mayor Joe Zimmerman, who attended the ceremony, said his team led the city's acquisition of the property while he was on the council. Thomas Pena, Jr., whose father and other relatives worked at the factory, said the mill shaped his childhood.