Sugar Land City Council approves $15.88M contract to preserve Imperial Sugar Char House

Sugar Land City Council unanimously approved a $15.88 million contract with Bellows Construction on Oct. 20 to preserve the Imperial Sugar Char House. The work is intended to stabilize the historic building as city staff evaluates private partners for future redevelopment of the site.

The project includes a new roof, replacement windows, steel and brick repairs, electrical and ventilation work, and re-securing the liquor gallery on the building’s north side. Signage will be moved from the south side to the east side, where it was located when the building was constructed. The window and signage changes are designed to better reflect the Char House’s original appearance and meet Texas Historical Commission standards for eligibility for future historic tax credits.

The approved contract includes $1.17 million for window glazing to reduce noise from the nearby train. City officials say the renovations are expected to make the building sturdy for at least 20 years with regular maintenance and could support future commercial, retail or office use.

The Char House was built in 1925 and has deteriorated since the Imperial Sugar factory site closed in 2003. Sugar Land acquired the historic district containing the building in 2025 for $31.5 million. A $50 million state certificate of obligation, which the city will repay with sales tax, is funding the acquisition and preservation effort.

A groundbreaking is scheduled for Nov. 5, with direction to begin construction expected in November. Preservation work is expected to be completed in spring 2028. City staff expects to select a private development partner by the end of this year or early next year.