Katy Edition | January 2023

DEVELOPMENT

Top development stories to watch in 2023

2023 ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE

First phase of Katy Silos revitalization on track

OTHER STORIES TO FOLLOW IN 2023

BY ASIA ARMOUR

The rst phase of renovations to the rice dryer silos located within Katy city limits along Hwy. 90 is on track for a summer grand opening, the new owner of the historic prop- erty said. This includes a 33,500-square-foot beer garden, a museum and a gift shop. Since the rst silo was constructed in 1943, The J.V. Cardi & Sons Rice Dryer has stood formidably as the tallest structure in Katy. Ocials with the Katy Heritage Society said they recognize it as a landmark that illuminates a piece of Katy’s economic history. The silos are no longer used for their original agricultural purpose, but Hadi “Andrew” Nurcahya, the developer who took ownership in late 2020, plans to renovate the space for commercial and recreational use, all while preserving and honoring the history of its founding. The renovated space has been dubbed “The Dryer.” In addition to the museum and gift shop managed by the Katy Heritage Society, the rst phase includes a beer garden and green space with play areas and a miniature train that will loop the 3-acre property. These spaces were created to encourage community use, Nurcahya said. “It has been two years now since I owned this property for me to really immerse myself in the understanding of what it is and how to best bring this property to the public,” he said. “We got a lot of feedback from a lot of people locally.” Two separate permits were submitted for the Katy Beer

Memorial Hermann Katy expands In March, Memorial Hermann Katy announced a $167 million expansion that will add nearly 100 more beds, a third professional oce building and more parking. Future phases will double the trauma center, add obstetrical emergency rooms, and expand the sports medicine and breast care center. CEO Jerry Ashworth said renovations to the sixth and fth oors of the hospital will be completed in April and July, respectively. Ocials said these eorts are to account for the area’s growing population, which is expected to hit 607,000 by 2027, per Katy Area Economic Development Council projections. Memorial Hermann Katy will expand departments in 2023. COMMUNITY IMPACT FILE PHOTO

The new owner of the Katy Silos plans for a summer grand opening for the rst phase of the revitalized landmark.

COMMUNITY IMPACT FILE PHOTO

Garden and the Heritage Museum to keep the projects moving forward, Nurcahya said. Though Nurcahya is hesitant to slow down any momen- tum for a 2023 grand opening, he said he is still contemplat- ing the second phase of the renovations—a food court and coworking and event space on each oor of the rice dryer’s three stories—due to heightened costs. “Interest rates right now are north of 7%,” Nurcahya said. “I would like to make a determination [for when to begin Phase 2] when we get closer to completing [Phase 1].” Restaurants committed to opening on the grounds include Fusion Grill, Taqueria Tex-Taco, El Canton Pizzeria, Jos’Brisket and Noodle & Satay.

KATY EDITION • JANUARY 2023