Imperial Market Development has released new designs for the repurposing of the Imperial Sugar refinery. Imperial Market Development has released new designs for the repurposing of the Imperial Sugar refinery.[/caption] In conjunction with Johnson Development Corp., Imperial Market Development has released new designs for the repurposing of the Imperial Sugar refinery, which is expected for completion in spring 2017. Construction on the historic 777,500-square-foot refinery, which is located off Hwy. 90 and Hwy. 6, is slated to begin later this year and will include upscale shopping, dining and entertainment space as well as a 120-room Aloft Hotel in the former Char House. Doug Goff, Johnson Development chief operation officer, said Imperial Market Development’s designs fit in line with the preservation of the refinery’s historic buildings, such as the Imperial Sugar silos. “We took the time to identify the best team with experience in the financing and development of quality, mixed-use projects,” Goff said. “We’re very impressed with the project design. It’s just the right plan for the site.” Early designs show 269,600 square feet will be dedicated to upscale retail space and restaurants. Some of the development will be located in the three-bay warehouse next to the future space of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and the Sugar Land Heritage Society Museum. The project design also calls for the restoration and relocation of the former twin smokestacks that are slated to be the focal point of the market’s 30,000-square-foot park and green space. Once complete, the Imperial Market development will also include 86,400 square feet of Class A office space as well as 275 luxury, multifamily residences headed by Sueba USA. “We want visitors to Imperial Market to know they are somewhere special,” said Jim Murnane, co-founder of Imperial Market Development. “[It is] a place which expresses authenticity and underscores the history of the site that distinguishes it from any other in our market.” The design plans are still subject to approval by the city of Sugar Land’s Planning and Zoning Department. Nevertheless, Sugar Land Mayor James Thompson said he and other city officials continue to support the project. “The city of Sugar Land enthusiastically supports the project,” Thompson said. “It’s a real game changer for the city and Fort Bend County.”