Mold Remediation in Sugar Land, TX

Plans call for the redevelopment of the property once owned by Imperial Sugar, including the historic Char House.

Sugar Land, Texas, began as a company town for the sugar industry in the mid-19th Century. Now, the city has made a move to preserve its history, acquiring what’s called the Imperial Historic District.

Devon Rodriguez, director of redevelopment for the city of Sugar Land, says acquiring the property gives the city flexibility when it comes to how the land will be redeveloped. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below.

This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity:

Texas Standard: Tell us about the Imperial Historic District and its significance to Sugar Land.

Devon Rodriguez: Imperial Sugar was one of the longest operating businesses in Texas. It’s a cornerstone to our city’s identity. The company’s crown is actually featured in the city’s seal itself.

The company’s approach is they started here in what is now Sugar Land, starting their business and needing to attract people here to come and work at Imperial Sugar. That was the company town approach to building Sugar Land.

They created jobs and that created this demand for housing, created the demand for other businesses and services, and just kind of that whole economic cycle of what it is to build a city. And now Imperial Sugar is how Sugar Land of today got its start.

And so that’s one of the big reasons why we still have these historic buildings here that speak to that history of how we got our start as a community and we want to preserve it.

So why did it take so long for the city to acquire the property?

So it’s been privately held for 20 or so years and I think there were multiple private owners that had the intention of redeveloping the site into something else and so the city’s approach was really supporting those efforts by the private sector to try to redevelop the site, create it into different things. The vision was different types of mixed-use that integrated those historic properties.

But it’s a challenging site to redevelop and a private developer – what they face versus what a city would face in terms of redeveloping a site like this – it’s just a different model, business model, if you will.

And when, after all these years, the site had still not been redeveloped, our city council said redevelopment is Sugar Land’s future. We’re not building out much anymore. And our biggest, most important redevelopment site is the Imperial Historic District.

And so they made those priorities and decisions. And when we tried to continue to work to see how can we make this happen, it just came to the decision of the city’s the one that’s gonna need to be put in the driver’s seat if we really want this site to get redeveloped and we wanna preserve our history.

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Well, give us some details how the City of Sugar Land will be involved in the redevelopment effort.

First of all, we had to assemble six parcels in total. It includes the historic properties as well as some other surrounding land. And so we had to assemble all of those parcels. And then we intend on doing some visioning and community engagement of what this entire site should eventually be.

But the most important piece is the Char House, which is really the most prominent iconic building of the historic district. It’s the one that’s right off of Highway 90 and is about eight stories tall. It is deteriorating and we need to take some steps to preserve it if we want any chance to really be able to reuse the building in the future or just for it to continue standing for the next 100 years.

This year, the Char House and the water tower are 100 years old and we will be celebrating that with our Sugar Land Heritage Foundation. So we’re taking some of those steps to actually preserve the building and that’s really our first step after we finish this acquisition.

We are going to be replacing the roof. There’s some temporary exterior wall repairs that need to be done. We will be repairing and replacing all the windows.

Basically, the building’s like 98% windows. It’s like over 200 windows. The windows on the north side of the building are actually the original windows. And so we will be looking to repair those windows and then hoping to do some replicas for the remaining three sides to bring it back to what its original exterior was, those many years ago. And so some other mechanical, electrical, plumbing upgrade-type things that need to be done.

But those are all really important steps for us – to stabilize the building with the hopes of maybe return it to some usable conditions someday. We don’t know what that use might be, but we want to take these steps to preserve that opportunity for the future.

Well, that gets into my next question. So what is next for this historic district? What’s your vision down the road?

We’re really gonna be using the community to help us just answer some of those questions. We’re gonna be facilitating some community engagement sessions over the next several months and help identify the priorities that will ultimately guide the long-term vision of the site. So we know some of these initial things. We needed to be put in the driver’s seat. We needed to have this acquisition of the sight. We’re moving forward with the preservation.

And then we’ll be engaging the community over the next several months to identify what are those community priorities that will guide the long-term development of the site. And we can’t do this alone, and so we will be looking for a development partner that will help us eventually make all of this happen.

Anything else you’d want the public to know about this effort?

I think that we’re just really excited that we’ve gotten to this point. It reflects who we are and where we’re going as a community.

We’re gonna be doing more redevelopment. It’s shaping the future that honors our legacy while embracing, really, what is this thoughtful, purposeful growth – creating places that are part of our past, but it’s also part of the future generations for Sugar Land. And so we’re laying this groundwork for the reinvestment of our community.

And we’re really starting to see some real momentum and we’re real excited about that. Building a community where people want to live, businesses wanna invest, history that is preserved along with progressing into the future. So Sugar Land’s ready and we are just getting started.

SUGAR LAND, Texas -- In the first meeting held under new mayor Carol McCutcheon on June 17, Sugar Land City Council unanimously approved a $195,674 "vertiport" study with construction company Woolpert aimed at determining the viability of the city's proposed electric "air taxi service" through Wisk Air.

The "vertiport" is an area where aircraft can land, take off, and charge, Sugar Land Director of Aviation Mitchell Davies said.

The background

The study comes after the city announced a partnership with Wisk Air, an autonomous aircraft company, in February 2024 following a 2021 planning effort with Arizona State University.

The air travel program is one of several alternative transportation options the city is considering, Community Impact reported. The city launched its microtransit program earlier this year and is also studying the feasibility of a gondola-like system, officials said.

The details

The partnership aims to improve connectivity and reduce roadway congestion by bringing self-flying helicopters to allow passengers to travel through the Greater Houston area with stops including:

Additionally, the service would create jobs in the region, including maintenance, operations, pilots, and customer service, Davies said.

Going forward

The notice to proceed for the study is expected to be issued in June with substantial completion in October, Davies said.

Also on the agenda

The council also accepted $10 million in state funds from the 88th Texas Legislature to help renovate Sugar Land Regional Airport's lone runway in early 2027. The runway was built in 1985, Davies said.

The $30 million, which will be jointly funded by the state, the Federal Aviation Administration, and airport funds, comes after major rehabilitation was recommended due to the condition and age of the pavement. Additionally, upgrades are needed to comply with FAA runway design standards.

Owner Preeti Jha decided to join the home care franchise after witnessing the challenges families face when they can't provide in-person care for their aging loved ones

HOUSTON, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring Senior Service, a non-medical, personalized home care services company, announced today that it has opened its 20^th Texas location with a new office at 3 Sugar Creek Center Blvd, Suite 100, in Sugar Land.

Owner Preeti Jha said her decision to become a Caring Senior Service franchise owner was based on her desire to give back to the community and because of personal events that shaped her outlook on aging care.

"I had lifelong entrepreneurial aspirations and a deeply personal desire to give back to the community," she said. "When both my mother and mother-in-law became ill, I witnessed the challenges that families face when they can't personally provide care for their aging loved ones. Our mothers lived in India and couldn't come here to live with us. Not being able to provide that physical support made a lasting impression on me. I want to be there to help other sons and daughters ensure their parents receive compassionate and dignified care. Caring Senior Service allows me to do both."

Jha said joining the Caring Senior Service team allows her to combine these passions while also addressing the need for more senior care in the Sugar Land area.

"By delivering quality care, we not only improve the lives of seniors but also offer invaluable support to their families," she said. "In essence, it's about honoring the memory of my own mother by being present for others."

Jha started her career as a software engineer but grew into leadership roles as a program manager, a project manager and a product line manager. She received a bachelor's degree in information technology from Berhampur University in India and, just this spring, received her master of business administration (MBA) from Rice Business in Houston.

Caring Senior Service of Sugar Land offers respite care, transportation, meal preparation, companionship, medication reminders and other personal care services to seniors and others who need assistance in the Sugar Land area. Clients also receive a 43-point home safety assessment and a tablet with the home care company's Family Portal application pre-loaded so the client, caregiver and client family can improve communication.

For more information about Caring Senior Service of Sugar Land, call (346) 586-0419 or visit https://caringseniorservice.com/sugar-land/.

About Caring Senior Service

Caring Senior Service is a non-medical home care services company based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by CEO Jeff Salter in 1991, the company provides assistance to seniors, the disabled population and any adult who may need help with the tasks of everyday living such as bathing, personal care, running errands and preparing food. After adding locations throughout Texas in the 1990s, the company extended its reach through franchising in 2002. It now boasts more than 50 locations throughout the United States. Caring Senior Service has also been named as one of the Franchise Business Review's top franchises in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and has created programs to assist potential franchisees in choosing a location and training their staff.

In 2021, Caring Senior Service created a non-profit organization called Close the Gap in Senior Care to raise awareness of the overlooked and underserved aspects of senior care. Salter launched Close the Gap with an electric bike ride to each Caring Senior Service franchise location throughout the country, totaling more than 9,000 miles.

For more information on Caring Senior Service, please visit their website at https://www.caringseniorservice.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR(865) 977-1973hripley@ripleypr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caring-senior-service-opens-new-sugar-land-texas-location-302480211.html

SOURCE Caring Senior Service

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New location introduces tableside service, tech enhancements, and innovative menu items as part of brand evolution

SUGAR LAND, Texas, June 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is shaking things up in the Houston area with the grand opening of its newest location in Sugar Land, called Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs, on Monday, June 16, 2025. Located at 1912 Wescott Ave #250, the restaurant marks an exciting new offering for the brand, debuting a fresh dining experience with full-service hospitality, digital innovations, and a crave-worthy menu refresh.

To celebrate the grand opening, Fuzzy’s will give away Free Tacos for a Year* to the first 50 guests in line on opening day (June 16). Additionally, the first 100 guests will also receive a free Fuzzy’s Taco Shop t-shirt.

Unlike traditional Fuzzy’s locations where guests order at the counter and collect their food at a pickup window, the Sugar Land restaurant will offer tableside service. Guests will be welcomed to take a seat and a Tacotender will come take their orders, all while enjoying the brand’s signature laid-back vibes.

"We’re excited to pilot this new model that puts hospitality front and center while simplifying the overall experience for our guests," said Patrick Kirk, President of Fuzzy’s. "Sugar Land is helping us find that sweet spot between fast casual and full-service, with a streamlined menu, bold new taco creations, and a margarita lineup that puts our bar front and center."

The new location also introduces Fuzzy’s refreshed menu, with a strategic focus on tacos, both new and fan-favorites. Guests can enjoy the Texas Brisket Taco, the Cali-Style Steak Taco, and the Sonora Relleno for a delicious fried poblano pepper for a vegetarian option. Other highlights include Ultimate Nachos and the option to combo any tacos together for more variety and value.

New beverages introduced in Sugar Land feature cocktails like the Paloma ‘Rita, dunked with a bottle of grapefruit Jarritos®, Watermelon ‘Rita, and frozen creations like the Fuzz Driver and Double Rum Daiquiri. These additions are designed to elevate the in-store experience while delivering strong beverage value in true Fuzzy’s fashion.

The Sugar Land location is owned by the NGE group and operated by brothers Miro and Andrew Nazarian. The NGE group has signed an agreement to open three Fuzzy’s locations by the end of 2025.

"Houston is a vibrant, dynamic city and we can’t wait to bring Fuzzy’s back to the community and become part of its DNA," said Miro Nazarian, Franchisee and Executive Director of NGE. "This new Sugar Land restaurant represents our shared vision for what the future of Fuzzy’s can be: more hospitality, more flavor, and more fun. We’re excited to grow the brand and introduce more Texans to the Fuzzy’s experience."

This Houston suburb may be well-known for its master-planned communities and outstanding amenities, but don’t underestimate its culinary scene. “The Sweetest City in Texas” offers far more than chain restaurants and standard American fare. Nestled southwest of Houston in Fort Bend County, one of the most diverse counties in the country, Sugar Land’s food scene reflects its melting pot of cultures within its 34 square miles. To help narrow the search, here’s our list of the best places to eat in Sugar Land right now.

Eater has updated this map to include Seafood City, Thai Town, and Warung Indo. Restaurants like Pho Tan Loc Sugar Land, Thai Siam, State Fare Kitchen & Bar, V Lotus, and the now-closed Guru have been removed.

Don’t see your favorite Sugar Land restaurant on this list? Email houston@eater.com with your suggestion.

Fernando’s Latin Cuisine

t’s not uncommon for owner Fernando to greet, seat, and serve diners himself at this white-tableclothed, Latin American locale. The small but mighty menu features carne asada, steak empanadas, and the Cornina, Fernando’s signature egg-washed Ecuadorian fish finished in a lemon butter wine sauce. Be sure to check out the seasonal special, which is, most recently, a colorful paella. Fernando’s warm, personable approach adds to the charm.

Seafood City

Though this is definitely a supermarket, Seafood City offers some of the best Filipino cuisine in the state. Shoppers are almost immediately greeted by its bustling food court, which features Halo Halo’s assortment of fruity drinks, shakes, and juices; rice bowls and Filipino bolognese from Sizzle; a self-service station with hot foods, including slices served from a whole roasted pig; and the ever-popular Grill City, which serves a seemingly endless selection of grilled proteins, including whole squid, fish, skewered and barbecued meats, and chicharones fried fresh. If it’s your first time, give the food court and Seafood City’s many aisles a once-over to explore a storeful of options before committing to one. Finish the trip by stopping into the Baker’s Son on the way out. This Sugar Land outpost of this Florida-founded Filipino bakery is filled with some of the most indulgent treats, with a special focus on ube. You’ll find shelves and shelves of goodies, including ube cheese rolls, pan de ube, and trays of ube coffee cake iced with cream cheese frosting.

The name says it all. Unafraid of unlikely combinations, Jupiter pairs its selection of pizzas with an even larger selection of sweet and savory waffles. Highlights include Just Wing It, a build-your-own dish featuring your choice of breaded or unbreaded wings tossed in spicy maple or Buffalo sauce and served with a trio of waffle triangles with maple cream and strawberries. In the mood for a slice? Start with the Moon pie, a pizza made with Vietnamese-style barbecue pulled pork, Sriracha, and Japanese mayo. End with Sweet Cheeses, a churro-style waffle with whipped cheesecake.

Warung Indo

One of two Indonesian restaurants in the Houston area, Warung Indo has been a staple of Indonesians looking for a slice of home. Tucked into a strip mall, the restaurant serves some of Indonesia’s most popular dishes, including nasi campur, a rice dish made up of beef rendang, tempeh, chopped vegetables, and boiled egg, and nasi goreng, a national Indonesian fried egg-and-rice dish. Seeking some additional comfort? Try the soto ayam, a chicken soup hued by golden turmeric and simmered with a variety of spices, lemongrass, and makrut, plus flavorful additions, including cabbage, eggs, vermicelli noodles, tomato, and bean sprouts. Quench your thirst with es cendol, a traditional drink made with pandan-flavored rice flour-tapioca jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.