Lovett Commercial, a Houston-based real estate developer, has proposed a residential-focused project for the former Fluor Corp. campus in Sugar Land.
The new proposal comes after Sugar Land-based developer Planned Community Developers’ redevelopment plans for the campus stalled, city officials announced in August.
PCD officials said April 23 their vision for a $1 billion mixed-use site called Lake Pointe Plaza was not selected by the city. The plan included residential, retail, office and community spaces.
“This type of [mixed-use] development is core to PCD’s expertise and where we continue to focus our development efforts with other projects in Sugar Land and beyond,” PCD officials said in an emailed statement.
The big picture
The new proposed development, dubbed as Lake Pointe Green, could take a trail-oriented approach surrounding various types of housing opportunities, Lovett officials said at an April 22 joint Sugar Land City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Lovett officials said the 53-acre development would include:
- 12 acres of multifamily housing totaling 699 units
- 31 acres of town homes, duplexes and multiplexes
- 10 acres of civic and recreational space
What they’re saying
Several City Council members and P&Z commissioners, including council member William Ferguson, shared their concerns about the proposal’s lack of retail options. Additional concerns from others included the proposal not having enough parking for residents and guests.
“I would love to see some high-end retail, some high-end dining, high-end something that could become completely walkable,” Ferguson said.
However, Lovett President Frank Liu said the company is focusing on the market demand for housing. He also said he believes it’s too early to ensure retail could be successful at the property.
“Putting retail here today is suicidal,” he said. “Five years from now, maybe, still suicidal. ... This is just not the right location for retail. Maybe someday—50 years from now, 100 years from now—people’s traffic patterns can change, but not today.”
Additionally, Mayor Joe Zimmerman said nonpermanent retail, such as food trucks or pop-ups, could be considered to add the retail mix.
What else?
Meanwhile, multifamily development The Pearl is undergoing city permitting for its project located adjacent to the vacant Fluor site. Developer Morgan Group will bring 385 units with the 6.5-acre community, Community Impact reported.
In addition to one- and two-bedroom housing, the site will also feature:
- 9,600 square feet of flexible coworking office space
- 4,425 square feet of meeting space
- A fitness and gaming center
- Cafe and coffee shop
- Five “live-work units,” which combine residential and business space
Going forward
Lovett will host a community meeting April 23 to engage with nearby residents and receive feedback on the proposed development. Meeting seats were limited to those in the immediate area of the project.
Additionally, City Council and P&Z will host a joint public hearing May 6, where P&Z commissioners will share the board’s recommended action, Redevelopment Planning Manager Ruth Lohmer said. Council is expected to vote on the item at a May 13 meeting.
If approved, Lovett officials expect to begin the phased project in 2025, with first housing deliveries in 2028 and completion in 2034.
