Imperial Sugar Land, A Master Planned Community by Johnson Development

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Hi Y'all! I am so excited to tell you about something big and new in SUGAR LAND!! After attending a private tour and sneak peek of the new development that is planned for the 715-acre Old Sugar Land Imperial Sugar Factory, I figured everyone would want to know about the exciting plans of this incredible new residential & entertainment district.

Sugar Land has grown by leaps and bounds since I grew up here in the 70s. I still remember when Hwy. 6 and 59 had huge, empty, green grazing fields with cows, and our airport was a single landing strip with a dirt road leading to a small hangar. I miss the slower pace; seeing family friends on major roads and honking to say hello, and I could certainly do without traffic along 6 after work and on weekends, but I can't wait to see the final product that Johnson Development has been planning, negotiating and prepping for since 2009.

Developed in 1843, Imperial Sugar expanded to three other states but kept home base operations for refining, distribution and marketing in Sugar Land until 2003 when it finally closed its doors. Thankfully, the new development named Imperial Sugar Land will resurrect the iconic corporation that has helped our local economy flourish for over 160 years. Part of the agreement to develop this historic land involved retaining three of the original buildings, but Johnson Dev. has actually designed plans to retain 8 historic structures which offer architecturally interesting landmarks to help anchor the new establishment.

Several "districts," all connected through a series of hike/bike trails, have been outlined in the plan drawings, so here is a little info about each one:

Historic District - This is the original Sugar Factory land where the plant is located. It includes the historic buildings such as the Char House, the water tower, the twin smoke stacks, several storage towers and other buildings, including an old storage warehouse that is eagerly anticipated to be used for a Farmer's Market. This area will offer a boutique hotel with conference center, restaurants, entertainment, retail, office space, hospitality & residential use (650 high end apartment/townhomes units). It will be focused around a "town center" type of area that is located along Oyster Creek.

Business District - Office and civic space as well as a few ponds are located here and the area is surrounded by significant greenspace buffers for aesthetic appeal. The buildings will be constructed to LEED specifications.

Ball Park District - As the name implies, this is where the new minor league ball park will be located, as well as residential, mixed use and retail space. There will be high end apartments (max 600 units), townhomes, single family lots as well as a retirement community for active seniors and those who require assistance. Also planned for this area are multiple open spaces, parks and walking trails meandering through the area. This is also located along Oyster Creek.

Open Spaces - This area consists of undeveloped acreage that will be used for beautification, utilities, protected wetlands and possible additional parks.

Hwy. 6 District - Zoned for commercial development along Hwy. 6, located across from the Sugar Land Regional Airport, this district will provide space for retail shops, office, commercial and possibly a hotel.

There has been alot of discussion about the addition of more multi-family housing to the city of Sugar Land, but many critics fail to realize that with high end 1-2 bedroom apartments and townhomes, the majority demographic is expected to be single professionals, many without children. This demographic will utilize the town center and patronize nearby retail and restaurants, benefitting the economy by keeping these places busy.

After all of the negativity in the news about our economy and the low morale of so many Houstonians, I think this is a wonderful step in the right direction. Our economy is beginning to thrive again and development and growth are an enormous sign of positivity. This fantastic news is the start of something really, really, big so spread the word and let's get positive! (Next week's blog will touch more on POSITIVE THINKING so stay tuned!)

I know you may have additional questions, so please don't hesitate to ask. I have plan drawings, layouts, an 80-page .pdf presentation on the development and lots more information. I look forward to hearing from you guys. Have a wonderful week!

www.MaryAndKelly.com