The City Council’s top priority is redevelopment and preservation of the Imperial Historic District, particularly the iconic Char House. The former Imperial Sugar site was the start of what would become Sugar Land as it once played a vital role in the city’s economy. Imperial Sugar created jobs and then homes, and as it grew, this economic engine was the cornerstone of our community – a “company town” – for generations. Today, Sugar Land is still a “company town,” serving as a major employment hub in the Houston region with more than 70,000 jobs. While the factory is no longer operational, the resolve to preserve and honor the City’s history is stronger than ever. It is for this reason that preserving the Char House and redeveloping the Imperial Historic District and its adjacent properties is one of the City Council’s top priorities. 

Over the past 20 years there have been multiple unsuccessful attempts by private parties, sometimes in partnership with the City of Sugar Land, to redevelop and preserve the Imperial Historic District. We know this has been frustrating for the community, so the City is pursuing a new approach to this high priority project.  The City will be working to acquire the properties, prioritize preservation of the Char House, and in the future identify the best path and partner to bring the City’s vision for the development to reality.  

To move forward with project implementation, the City Council desires to implement the most efficient method by which to accomplish acquisition of the properties, which includes authorizing the City Manager to enter into contracts in connection with the Imperial Historic District project.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 25-16 authorizing the City Manager to acquire parcels of land in connection with the Imperial Historic District project.