The Char House, a historic building once used by Imperial Sugar Company, is turning 100 years old.
The history
Built in 1925, The Char House and its neighboring water tower were constructed as part of the business’s refinery complex, which anchored Sugar Land’s economy and identity for over a century, said Carolyn Gilligan, Sugar Land Heritage Foundation board of directors president. The building is located in the 40-acre Imperial Historic District, located north of Hwy. 90A and east of Ulrich Street.
Originally part of a company town formed around sugar cane plantations, the site became the beating heart of Sugar Land’s industrial growth, Gilligan said.
The Char House, a towering red-brick structure, was used to filter cow bone char during the sugar refining process and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the city, Gilligan said. The nearby water tower, which was intentionally built 50 feet taller, provided pressure for the factory's fire suppression system and further defined Sugal Land’s skyline, Gilligan said.
“Before stuff was built out, people coming in from Houston and Richmond could see the buildings, so they both became a staple,” she said.
Both structures operated until 2003, when refinery operations ceased and the building fell into disuse, Gilligan said.
How it’s going
Despite multiple failed redevelopment attempts over the years, the city of Sugar Land officially acquired the district in June in a $31.5 million deal, Community Impact reported.
In the first phase of the project, which is expected to cost $12.3 million, city officials said they are focusing on preserving the Char House and mitigating further deterioration by:
- Repairing the roof
- Repairing or replacing all windows
- Stabilizing the former liquor gallery, which hangs off the building on the north side
- Restoring exterior brick
- Making mechanical and electrical improvements for adequate ventilation
Get involved
To memorialize the 100-year milestone, the Char House and water tower are the center of a public celebration hosted by the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation scheduled for July 13 from 2-7 p.m. at Talyard Brewing Co., located at 1033 Imperial Blvd., Sugar Land.
The family-friendly event will feature live music by the Emotions, a corn hole tournament and a raffle, among other activities. The nonprofit will also reveal its commemorative Christmas tree ornament.
