Sugar Land Buys Iconic Building, to Oversee Redevelopment

The city of Sugar Land has acquired the property of the former Imperial Sugar refinery. The Houston Business Journal reports the city said public ownership allows Sugar Land to take the lead in shaping and ensuring the long-term success of the property.

The Sugar Land City Council approved up to $50 million for the acquisition of the site and restoration of the historic structures, including the iconic 100-year-old Char House building.

The Char House, which was used for sugar refining, is a shell of a building with no floors but horizontal and vertical beams throughout. The City anticipates selecting a private development partner by the first quarter of 2026, following a period of community engagement to help shape priorities that will guide negotiations on a Master Development Agreement.

Sugar Land purchased half of the property from Dhanani Private Equity Group and the other half from the Hunton Group.