Current situation
PUMA Development Company, in collaboration with the city of Sugar Land and Colliers Company, has announced a partnership for the redevelopment and leasing of the renowned Imperial Sugar Company site.
The historical significance of this property, which not only gave the city its name but also played a crucial role in its growth and development, will be revived with a vision to foster community, according to a June 19 news release.
While the redevelopment project is temporarily named “Project Sugar,” the community will be included in the future naming process as the mixed-use redevelopment unfolds across 40 acres. Details of that naming process will be updated once available.
“The city of Sugar Land is thrilled to be working with a dedicated partner, whose commitment to the preservation of the historic district is closely aligned with our primary focus,” said Devon Rodriguez, deputy director of the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development, via email.
The approach
The undertaking includes a range of additions, including retail spaces, offices, multifamily units and the potential addition of a boutique hotel, according to the release.
Preserving the site's existing historic buildings holds great importance to both PUMA and the city of Sugar Land. These structures, such as the iconic eight-story Char House, the "three-bay" warehouse, the engineering building, the water tower and the smokestacks of the old power plant, will be repurposed to maintain their legacy, according to the release.
Additionally, the Sugar Land Heritage Museum and the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center will continue operating on the site.
Project Sugar aims to honor the site's historical significance and its deep-rooted connection to the Sugar Land community, while also hoping to match the rapid development occurring in the Greater Houston area, the release states.
Zooming in
Mark Toon, CEO of PUMA Development, expressed his confidence via email in the Sugar Land site as an ideal location to establish a vibrant community that simultaneously celebrates the past and embraces the future.
The eight-story Char House will be transformed into office space also offering multiple restaurant opportunities, including an appealing rooftop venue.
With its unique features, such as rare 50-foot-plus ceiling heights and an expansive patio area, the 26,000 square foot "three-bay" warehouse will be targeted toward entertainment and retail users who may be attracted to its distinct features.
Once the existing buildings are repurposed, PUMA and Colliers will focus on attracting top-tier restaurants and upscale retail brands to the development, according to the news release.
The outlook
Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared dedication to preserving the historic district and creating a development that sets a precedent for future generations of Sugar Land residents.
PUMA Development, a boutique firm based in Houston, specializes in the creation of mixed-use communities that offer unique experiences, celebrate local identity, foster innovation, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
“We look forward to building a development that trailblazes for future generations of Sugar Landers,” Rodriguez said.
Quote of note
“We believe this historic site in Sugar Land is the perfect place to anchor an experiential community that celebrates the past and is the future,” Toon said in the release.
