In a nutshell
The pilot program could launch later this year for property owners of multitenant centers that are at least 20 years old with a minimum of 15,000-square-feet of leasable space, Jessica Huble, assistant director of community planning and redevelopment, said at an Aug. 21 Sugar Land 4B Corp. meeting. The pilot program will consist of $350,000 for fiscal year 2024-25, she said.
“We want to see transformational changes,” she said. “It should be something that is felt and hopefully continues down the line.”
Digging in
If approved, commercial businesses will be able to receive reimbursement for up to 20% of the total project cost, Huble said. The projects must accomplish two or more development outcomes, including:
- Facade improvements
- Exterior treatments such as painting or siding
- Construction of new site amenities and open space improvements
- Pedestrian improvements
- Commercial awnings
- Signage improvements
- Parking lot improvements
- Public art improvements such as murals
- Public right of way or infrastructure improvements
Why it matters
As Sugar Land nears the end of its build-out phase with only 4% of developable land remaining, city officials are shifting their priorities to ensure the city stays attractive to current and potential citizens, Huble said.
“We’re kind of at our peak,” she said. “We’ve grown out as a community so your options are to decline or you choose to redevelop.”
Additionally, only 12 of the city’s 441 commercial retail properties have had a major renovation since being built, according to data from CoStar, a commercial real estate information company.
Zooming out
Sugar Land launched the Great Homes Program in February 2023 to offer resident rebates for exterior home work, Community Impact reported.
In its first year, the program helped fund 166 home improvement projects as well as distributed 70 new home design vouchers, according to the city’s website. Meanwhile, the 2024 program has contributed to 78 projects so far with an upcoming Aug. 31 deadline.
The city also offers incentives for homeowner associations, property owner associations and community groups through its Fostering Unique Neighborhoods Grant, which has contributed to $3.74 million in capital projects aimed at enhancing community aesthetics, according to the city’s website.
Looking ahead
The Sugar Land 4B Corp. will vote to approve the program policy at its September meeting with plans to announce the program and begin outreach in September and October, Huble said.
If approved, applications are slated to open for commercial projects in November.
