The first phase of renovations to the rice dryer silos located within Katy city limits along Hwy. 90 is on track for a summer grand opening, the new owner of the historic property said. This includes a 33,500-square-foot beer garden, a museum and a gift shop.
Since the first silo was constructed in 1943, The J.V. Cardiff & Sons Rice Dryer has stood formidably as the tallest structure in Katy. Officials with the Katy Heritage Society said they recognize it as a landmark that illuminates a piece of Katy’s economic history.
The silos are no longer used for their original agricultural purpose, but Hadi “Andrew” Nurcahya, the developer who took ownership in late 2020, plans to renovate the space for commercial and recreational use, all while preserving and honoring the history of its founding.
The renovated space has been dubbed “The Dryer.” In addition to the museum and gift shop managed by the Katy Heritage Society, the first phase includes a beer garden and green space with play areas and a miniature train that will loop the 3-acre property. These spaces were created to encourage community use, Nurcahya said.
