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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 7 MARCH 12 APRIL 9, 2026
2026 Camp Guide
Occupying o ces Sugar Land launches O ce Readiness Program aimed at upgrades as vacancies rise
Sugar Creek Tower II
Sugar Creek Tower I
The city of Sugar Land has launched a program aimed at upgrading the city’s o ce inventory in the Sugar Creek area to help with o ce vacancy. The program will provide property owners and o ce tenants within eligible corridors up to 50% reimbursement through performance agreements. (Google Earth/Community Impact)
Aubrey Howell
18
Eligible program areas
Comerica Tower
Imperial Plaza
Commerce Green One
Sugar Creek Place One
Sugar Creek Place II
Also in this issue
Elections: See who took the lead in March primary elections (Page 13) Community: Find out more about area summer camps (Page 20) Government: Learn more about recent U.S. Census Bureau data (Page 9)
Sugar Creek on the Lake
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The Woodlands
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Baytown
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houstonmethodist.org/cancer 713.790.2700
Clear Lake
Sugar Land
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Lazy River Amenity Village UNDER CONSTRUCTION
WELCOME CENTER Now Open!
6
SUGAR LAND
99
59
RICHMOND
Brazos Town Center
Ashton Woods · DRB Homes · Chesmar Homes David Weekley Homes · Highland Homes Perry Homes · Taylor Morrison · Westin Homes Come Tour our Beautiful Model Homes from the Best Builders in the Lone Star State!
ROSENBERG
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3
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Welcome to care that gets better with age.
As your resource for senior-focused healthcare, Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors can help ensure you receive quality, proactive, coordinated care that understands your changing health needs. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.* 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) Choose your Kelsey-Seybold provider today! Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.
seniors.kelsey-seybold.com
*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details. © 2026 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSCIM_1087
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
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5
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Impacts
2 Local Table The Katy-based restaurant opened its 6th location in Missouri City offering a variety of dishes such as sharable appetizers, pitas, sandwiches, pizzas and salads. • Opened Feb. 23
9
W . B E L L F O R T B L V D .
59
• 3434 FM 1092, Missouri City • www.eatatlocaltable.com
W . A I R P O R
FOUNTAIN LAKE DR.
3 Homesense The store will feature all things home, including an array of furniture, an art and mirror gallery, an extensive lighting department, a rug emporium and a general store section with changing seasonal item. • Opened Feb. 26 • 5752 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.homesense.com 4 The Dub Foundation Resource Center The resource center will have photo, video and audio studios as well as classrooms and computer lab. • Grand opening March 1
8
GREENBRIAR DR.
10
12
1
LAKE POINTE PKWY.
PROMENADE WAY
90
Missouri City
4
6
90
T
NBLVD.
14
KENFOREST DR.
6
1092
13
• 1532 Kenforest Drive, Missouri City • www.thedubwayfoundation.org
59
HAMPTON DR.
6
Coming soon
99 TOLL
2
Sugar Land
3
16
5 Prime Bazaar Halal Supermarket The grocery and convenience store—which sells Indian, Pakistani and Mediterranean goods—first opened in
15
11
COMMONWEALTH BLVD.
K W Y .
Richmond in 2020. • Opening in March • 18738 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.primebazaartx.com
GREATWOOD PKWY.
KITTY HOLLOW PARK
17
5
7
2759
6 Amped Fitness The 24/7 gym—available for ages 13 and up, will offer a number of zones including cardio and strength, functional as well as abs and glutes. • Opening this summer • 16626 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land • www.ampedfitness.com/reserve-my-rate-sugar-land 7 Jetset Pilates The business specializes in 50-minute pilates-style
SIENNA PKWY.
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Water International, a nonprofit aimed at providing clean water to communities across the world. • Opened Feb. 9 • 4001 Greenbriar Drive, Stafford • www.legacythrift.org
Now open
1 Legacy Thrift The volunteer-run thrift store sells donated clothing, furniture, household items and decor to support Living
Dr. Rema Malik is a board-certified vascular surgeon in Houston known for combining surgical precision with compassionate care. She specializes in advanced treatments for arterial and venous conditions, including PAD, varicose veins, aneurysms, and limb salvage.
832-400-2763 | remamalikmd.com
7102 Tarrington Avenue, Bldg 8, Suite 803, Sugar Land, TX 77479
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ROO MOODY, TOMER RONEN & AUBREY HOWELL
conditioning classes on a reformer machine with a focus on strength, flexibility and endurance. • Opening this summer • 10040 Hwy. 6, Ste. 200, Missouri City • www.jetsetpilates.com 8 Pranzo Lounge & Grill The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant will offer several traditional dishes including tandoori lamb chops, chicken tawook and beef filet kebab platters. • Opening in March • 11445 Fountain Lake Drive, Stafford • www.pranzolounge.com 9 Halal Basket The Halal wholesale center is set to open in Sugar Land. • Opening TBD • 10555 Synott Road, Unit C, Sugar Land • Instagram: the.halal.basket
Now open
Coming soon
13 Kawaii Klaws The arcade chain, located in First Colony Mall, invites visitors to play claw machines to win prizes including plushies. The chain has 20 stores nationwide, including five currently open in Texas, including one in The Woodland. • Opened Jan. 28 • 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land • www.kawaiiklawsco.com/sugarland 14 Imperial Tattoo Company The tattoo shop is relocating and will offer appointment- only service by artists Tony and Sarah Wayne. • 16742 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 13, Sugar Land 15 Whenever Watersports self-serve kayak kiosk Residents can access the self-service kiosk on their phones at Sugar Land Memorial Park is available from park open to sunset or park close. • Opened Feb. 7
17 Comfort Foodies The Latin Caribbean soul food fusion restaurant features Dominican and southern menu items including oxtails, pork chops, catfish wings and empanadas. The new location will join its existing restaurant at 8128 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. B in Houston. • Opening this spring • 8731 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.comfortfoodieshtx.com
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
10 Bitties The $8.97 million project is slated to begin April 30 and wrap up in August. • 12626 Dairy Ashford Road, Ste. A, Sugar Land 11 Wah Coffee Shop The coffee shop is set to add $130,000 additions to an existing building in The Centre at Greatwood from February to March. • 6560 Greatwood Parkway, Sugar Land
wear and tear damage. • Reopened in Feb. 13 • 3047 Hampton Drive, Missouri City • www.missouricitytx.gov/1198/Parks-Recreation
Worth the trip
Opera Gallery Known for its modern and contemporary art collection, the major international art gallery is poised to open a new location in Houston, alongside cities such as New York, London and Dubai. The gallery will present three to four curated exhibitions annually. • Opening March 20 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A115, Houston • www.operagallery.com
In the news
12 THR3E Design The health care-focused architecture and interior design firm relocated to Sugar Land. • Relocated Jan. 1 • 12950 Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land • www.thr3edesign.com
• 15300 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.wheneverwatersports.com
16 MacNaughton Park The playground at the 38-acre park reopened after repairs to its entrance structure and safety turf due to
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7
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
2025 Property Tax Results Are In
Market Value Band: $250K-$500K
$223 Traditional Firms
Ownwell vs. traditional firms in Fort Bend County. The numbers don’t lie. Scan to save more with Ownwell.
$186
Data as of July, 2025. Full methodology: https://www.ownwell.com/results/texas-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY TOMER RONEN
Sugar Land, Missouri City sees population growth
the Sugar Land and Missouri City area, rising from 281,892 to 291,722. The ZIP code 77459 saw the largest percentage increase at 15.71%, with the population rising from 72,788 to 84,221. The area is also becoming more diverse, data shows. While the percentage of residents who identify as white decreased from 42% to 32% between 2019 to 2024, the number of people who identify as two or more races, or Hispanic or Latino has increased.
The population in Sugar Land and Missouri City area ZIP codes is growing and becoming more diverse, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. On Jan, 29, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data for 2024 as part of its American Community Survey, which represents a 5-year estimate of the population across the country from 2020 to 2024. The data compares with the 2019 survey results, which studied the country from 2015 to 2019. The overall population increased 3.49% across
Sugar Land, Missouri City ZIP codes
2019
2024
Local demographics*
Two or more races Other race American Indian or Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Black or African American White Hispanic or Latino
32%
42%
77478
77498
90
17%
77489
15%
99 TOLL
59
Asian
21.6%
6
22.87%
2019 total population: 281,892 2024 total population: 291,722
77479
29.99%
2.88%
3%
5%
28.96%
77459
11.63%
*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS.
0.13% 0.28%
0.03% 0.34%
N
Population change
Median age
2019
2024
125K
ZIP code
2019 38.4 38.4 46.8 39.9 35.6
2024 39.4 39.4 45.9 41.5
-1.73%
77459 77478 77479 77489 77498
+15.71%
100K
-9.87%
75K
+2.95%
+2.75%
50K
36.5
25K
0
77459
77478
77479
77489
77498
Median household income
Education level** High school diploma or higher achieved
2019 2024
Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved 2019 2024
+11.64%
$175K
$150K
+14.94%
+28.34%
$125K
+25.02%
45.86%
25.15%
$100K
+8.8%
$75K
$50K
62.57%
37%
$25K
$0
77459
77478
77479
77489
77498
SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2019 AND 2024 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
**BASED ON TOTAL POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER
9
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Government
Sugar Land to host FIFA watch parties Sugar Land will host eight days of watch parties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is coming to Houston this summer. What you need to know At a Feb. 24 meeting, Sugar Land City Council voted 6-1 to approve an $880,000 agreement with Rebees Management Com- pany to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup watch parties at Sugar Land Town Square. The agreement comes after City Council voted 6-1 to allow Visit Sugar Land to pursue a $2.5 million sponsorship with the Houston 2026 World Cup Host Committee in Septem- ber, Community Impact reported. Stay tuned More details on events will be announced in March as the city kicks off programming.
County breaks ground on $2M juvenile vocational training center Fort Bend County officials broke ground Feb. 18 on a $2 million juvenile vocational training center in Richmond to ensure the county is meeting the growing number of juveniles entering the deten- tion system. The details Kyle Dobbs, executive director and chief juvenile probation officer at Fort Bend County’s juvenile probation department, said the 6,700-square-foot center will offer instruction for approximately 60 kids ages 14-17 in six different skills. “We feel this is a new way of helping juvenile justice involve kids by providing them with a real opportunity of career training that will impact gener- ations to come by preparing them for high-demand careers and great-paying jobs,” Dobbs said.
Juvenile Vocational Training Center
N
L U E L
Certifications to be offered:
Welding
Carpentry
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
Digital media
Cosmetology
Electrical
SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Stay tuned Construction is expected to take nine months with an opening anticipated for late 2026 or early 2027, Dobbs said.
S S | A R T I S A N M A R K E T
A celebration of culture, pflavors and community! APRIL 25 | DOWNTOWN PFLUGERVIL LE
sliceofpf.com
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY TOMER RONEN
Missouri City tightens solicitation rules Missouri City will enforce tighter solicita- tion rules following enforcement challenges and public safety concerns. Zooming in The ordinance—which applies to any person going door-to-door for commercial purposes—prohibits solicitation between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m., per agenda documents. Other key changes in the ordinance include: • Reducing applicant registration from 180 days to 90 days • Introducing a $1,000 surety bond • Allowing permit denial or revocation • Creating a nonrefundable registration fee • Setting escalating minimum fines for violations • Eliminating the appeal process
Sugar Land study shows mosquito spray may be ineffective Mosquito spray may be ineffective across Sugar Land, a city study found. Zooming in At a Feb. 24 meeting, Sugar Land City Council concurred with city staff’s recommendation to decrease spray totals to one per week from the current two with additional sprays in zones where mosquitoes test positive for disease. The decision came after Director of Public Works Herc Meier presented data from a nine-week spray treatment study, which showed that no-spray zones may have fewer mosquitoes than those with one or two sprays. Meier said the lack of mosquito population decrease could be due to many factors, including:
Mosquito study results
Average mosquitoes collected per trap
Typical range
No spray 65.2 One-spray
Typical range
79.6
Typical range
Two-sprays
82.4
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
• High baseline population • High replacement rate • Migration from neighboring areas • Pesticide resistance
The study split the city into six spray zones with three spray treatments—no spray, one spray and two sprays—Meier said. Zones received a different spray treatment each week to determine spray effectiveness. The city currently sprays for mosquitoes once a week from May to October, Meier said. What’s next? Based on City Council direction, Meier said another recommendation may be presented next year after more data is collected.
11
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Tomorrow starts today with a Mortgage from Trustmark Wherever you see yourself tomorrow, Trustmark can help you get there. Whether you’re buying your first home, up-sizing or finding a second home, Trustmark can make your journey easier. With online tools like our mortgage calculators and a streamlined application, you can begin the process whenever you’re ready. And when you have questions, our mortgage experts are always here to guide you every step of the way. Start your tomorrow today at trustmark.com/mortgage .
TALENT SEARCH April 11, 2026 10am–12pm
James Reese Career and Technical Center 12300 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Fort Bend ISD is searching for top talent as we prepare for the 2026-27 school year. Come make your impact in Fort Bend ISD!
• Teachers • Central O ce Sta • Paraprofessionals
• Auxiliary Support • Campus/District Administrators
FORTBENDISD.COM/CAREERS
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY AUBREY HOWELL
Several primary races took place March 3 across the Fort Bend County, including county judge and Precinct 2 commissioner. All results are uno cial until canvassed. Election results breakdown
Winner
Headed to runo
Fort Bend County judge Democratic primary
40.42%
Dexter L. McCoy
18.93%
Rachelle Carter
17.09%
J. Christian Becerra
15.97%
Cynthia Lenton-Gary
7.59%
Eddie Sajjad
Fort Bend County judge Republican primary
54.06%
Daniel Wong
12.75%
Daryl Aaron
12.52%
Kenneth Omoruyi
12.25%
Melissa M. Wilson
APRIL 11
8.42%
KP George
Fort Bend County Precinct 2 commissioner Democratic primary
61.58%
Grady Prestage
38.42%
Larry Blackmon
Fort Bend County treasurer Democratic primary
35.32%
Je rey L. Boney
Don’t want to run? Come for the FUN! Party Patrol NO WAY 5K
Get in your strides, steps & sips at Fort Bend County’s newest chip timed race suitable for both beginners and experienced runners. Festivities • BUBBLY BAR (Must be 21) • FOOD TRUCKS • FITNESS VENDOR BOOTHS • HULA HOOPING & CORN HOLE • LIVE DJ JAMS • FINISH LINE CELEBRATION
31.78%
Sara Khan
11.72%
Rahim Rupani
10.83%
Eric B. Lister
10.35%
Pedro Valencia
Fort Bend County district attorney Republican primary
74.9%
Shawn McDonald
25.1%
Mark Rubal
SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Early-Bird Registration— $30 through March 9
For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
SIENNATX.COM
13
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
EMBERLY, TEXAS
Amenity Village Now Open! From relaxing days by the pool to splashy weekends at the water park, we’ve brought the good life to your backyard with our brand-new Amenity Village, The Haven.
Resort-style Pool & Water Park
Clubhouse with Fitness Center
Sand Volleyball & Pickleball Courts
Playground & Dog Park
SH6
SUGAR LAND
99
59
NEW HOMES High $200s-$500s EMBERLYTEXAS.COM
EXPLORE AMENITIES
RICHMOND
Brazos Town Center
ROSENBERG
Amenity Village opening date, prices and availability subject to change without notice. 7/25.
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY BRADLEY DOUNTZ
Fort Bend ISD will launch seven new programs in the 2026-27 school year as a part of its Fort Bend Redesigned program aimed at retaining and recruiting students, officials announced at a Feb. 23 board meeting. The programs come after the district launched its premier opportunities at elementary campuses offering low-cost field trips, student-led projects and community partnerships with a focus on renewable energy, biodiversity, leadership, digital media literacy and transportation, Superintendent Marc Smith said. The fast growth in the district’s student enrollment over the past decade will likely stabilize in the next decade as most residential communities reach build-out, officials previously said. FBISD to add 7 new programs
The details
Employee child care Select parents and grandparents who are employed by FBISD can take advantage of a full-time child care initiative for kids who are at least 2 years old. It will be tuition-based. district, said Jaretha Jordan, FBISD’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning. The school will be hosted by Kempner High School and will offer approximately 100 seats. High school virtual learning The completely online program will be open to any student previously enrolled in a Texas school
Two-way dual language program The program will teach students in English and Spanish, Jordan said. The program will be open to 44 incoming kindergarten students at Colony Bend and Barrington Place elementary schools. Middle school choice programs The programs will implement a “school within a school” model letting a certain population of students get “exposure early” on subjects that correspond to their interests, talents or career aspirations, Jordan said. • Coleman Middle School: aviation and aerospace • Crockett Middle School: artificial intelligence • Garcia Middle School: creative arts and innovation • Sartartia Middle School: leadership and civic engagement • Two additional programs will also be offered. Mandarin immersion program The program will give students the opportunity to be taught in English and Mandarin, Jordan said. The program will be open to 22 incoming kindergarten students at Colony Meadows Elementary.
Limited open enrollment The district will open enrollment for any programs or campuses with additional space.
Leadership pipelines The district is looking to expand its leadership advancement procedures by offering job-embed opportunity pathways for teachers and administrators looking to move to higher roles.
Fort Bend ISD projected enrollment through 2034-35 school year
Reduced growth projection Accelerated growth projection Projected enrollment
85K
80.2K 83.2K
79.7K
Stay tuned
80K
75K
74.5K
Jordan said the seven programs are the first phase of a multi-year process directed towards “rethinking what education looks like in 2026.”
The district will publish academic criteria and available seats for open enrollment for the 2026-27 school year in March, followed by an application window from March 23-April 24, officials said.
70K
0 2024-25
2029-30
2034-35
SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Board Certified Gastroenterologist Gastroenterology Associates of Texas, PA Gregory L. Shannon, MD
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281. 619. 8825 WWW . EXTRASPACE . COM
17510 West Grand Parkway South, Suite 220 Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.GregoryShannonMD.com
11347 Sugar Park Lane Alt 90 & University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478
15
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Education
BY BRADLEY DOUNTZ
FBISD projects $56.4M budget shortfall for 2026-27 school year During the first official 2026-2027 school year budget update at Fort Bend ISD’s Feb. 9 board meet- ing, Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guinn predicted there will be a $56.4 million budget shortfall. The new number comes after staff predicted an initial $26.2 million shortfall last summer, Guinn said. What’s changed? The change comes after the district saw 1,801 fewer students enrolled than who were budgeted for based on the Oct. 31 Public Education Infor- mation Management System, or PEIMS, snapshot, which is the state’s model on how much money they will give FBISD for the rest of the school year. Due to the difference, $18 million was added to the shortfall, Guinn said.
FBISD to vote on 7 school closures
Projected 2026-2027 budget shortfall District officials aim to bring the shortfall back to 0% in two or three years.
Initial shortfall $26.2M Enrollment loss for 2025-26 school year $18M Enrollment loss for 2026-27 school year $4.4M Enrollment loss for school vouchers $7.8M Total: $56.4M
Fort Bend ISD’s school boundary advisory committee shared its final recommendation to close seven elementary schools across the district’s northwest/central and southeast/ central areas at a Feb. 23 meeting. How we got here Officials said the proposed closures are necessary to balance enrollment as campuses become underserved and student enrollment falls with the current elementary school utilization at 74%. However, the utilization could fall an additional 7% within five years if nothing is done to address the low campus numbers. What’s next? The board is set to consider final recom- mendations March 9, after press time.
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
When using the PEIMS snapshot figure as a foundation, factoring in outgoing seniors and incoming early education, preschool and kinder- garten students, Guinn said there will be 437 less students in the 2026-27 school year compared to this year, creating $4.4 million in lost revenue. Next steps Additional updates, workshops and a public hearing will take place before final recommenda- tions are given in May and the budget is adopted in June.
Transportation
BY AUBREY HOWELL
Upcoming projects
Upcoming projects
Upcoming projects
W. BARON LN.
UNIVERSITY BLVD.
North and East Expansion Prior service area
6
1092
1B
1A
3
CREEK TERRACE DR.
EL DORADO BLVD.
2
6
.
P
59
N
N
N
1 Cartwright Road reconstruction Project: The project will reconstruct the road during the first phase with the second phase to add additional lanes. Update: Design of the first phase 1A is nearing completion with phase two 1B design underway. • Timeline: second quarter of 2026-second quarter of 2027 (phase 1); second quarter of 2027-fourth quarter of 2027 • Cost: $7.2 million • Funding source: city of Missouri City and Fort Bend County
2 Henry Watts and Knight Road roundabout Project: The project will replace the intersection with a roundabout due to increased traffic. Update: At a March 2 meeting, Missouri City City Council approved a design agreement with LJA Engineering. • Timeline: Construction slated to begin in first quarter of 2027. • Cost: $314,668 (design) • Funding source: city of Missouri City
3 Sugar Land On-Demand renewal Project: The on-demand program to give residents an affordable transportation option in a limited service area. Update: At a March 3 meeting, Sugar Land City Council approved the renewal of its microtransit provider. • Timeline: N/A • Cost: $1.74 million • Funding sources: Houston-Galveston Area Council and Fort Bend County bond
SUGAR LAND 3335 Hwy 6 S (281) 313-4446
SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628
MISSOURI CITY 5418 Hwy 6 (281) 403-0400
SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959
NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811
Occupying o ces From the cover
What's happening?
Eligible program areas
Sugar Land o ce vacancy rate Sugar Creek on the Lake 1 55.8% Comerica Tower 2 34.1% Sugar Creek Place One 3 39.1% Commerce Green One 4 3.8% Sugar Creek Place II 5 70.1% Sugar Creek Tower I 6 80.8%
90
8
DAIRY ASHFORD RD.
INDUSTRIAL BLVD.
Some Sugar Land property owners and o ce tenants will have the opportunity to receive funding assistance with the launch of the city’s new O ce Readiness Program. The program is the rst of its kind in the region and replaces the former O ce Headquarters incentive policy. The aim is to modernize the city’s o ce inventory, increase occupancy and position the city for balanced growth, o cials announced in a Feb. 9 news release. The program comes as the city has seen a change in workspace use and needs due to several factors, including the changing work landscape as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The program is designed to support the modernization of the existing o ce buildings so that we can better compete for today’s workforce and employers,” said Jennifer Alexander, business development manager for Sugar Land.
6
SUGAR CREEK CENTER BLVD.
PARKLANE BOULEVARD
7
2
6 Sugar Creek Tower I features a cafeteria, tness center and conference center.
COMMERCE GREEN BLVD.
SUGAR CREEK BLVD.
CITY OF SUGAR LAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
59
4
PARKWAY BLVD.
ALKIRE LAKE DR.
3
COUNTRY CLUB BLVD.
5
LAKESIDE BLVD.
Imperial Plaza 7 26.8%
1
5 Sugar Creek Place II o ers 24-hour key card access and has individual
Sugar Creek Tower II 8 37.1%
CENTRAL DR.
generators for each oor. TOMER RONEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
N
Building age and area (sq. ft.):
1 Year built: 1982 Rentable area: 516,526 2 Year built: 1983 Rentable area: 193,998
3 Year built: 1998 Rentable area: 151,772 4 Year built: 2000 Rentable area: 111,130
5 Year built: 2001 Rentable area: 69,011 6 Year built: 2000 Rentable area: 165,146
7 Year built: 2008 Rentable area: 206,546 8 Year built: 2009 Rentable area: 206,732
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
How it works
The funding
or underutilized—to preserve industrial land for targeted industries such as: • Life sciences • Advanced manufacturing • Business and professional services • Information technology • Tourism The program will be available through two pathways, including the property owner and tenant paths, both with varying requirements.
The program will provide property owners and o ce tenants of o ce buildings within eligible corridors inside the Sugar Creek triangle up to 50% reimbursement through ve- to 10-year performance-based agreements to help support building modernization, infrastructure upgrades and tenant improvements, per the release. City o cials said the program is meant to encourage o ces operating in industrial or ex spaces to relocate to professional o ce environments—especially those that are vacant
The program will be funded by the Sugar Land Development Corp. It will support building upgrades, which Alexander said can be tied to job creation and capital investment by ensuring the city keeps up with surrounding markets. The program comes as the Sugar Creek area far exceeds the average 15% vacancy rate of Sugar Land o ce buildings, Alexander said. The goal is to bring the aging buildings to Class A status so Sugar Land can be viewed as a workplace destination akin to the Galleria or the Energy Corridor. “It really draws in a crowd of people who want to work in person because, with working from home during [COVID-19], a lot of people got very comfortable,” she said. “We want you to come work here, play here and all the things in Sugar Land—that’s exactly what this program is for.” To achieve these goals, Alexander said o cials expect the modern o ce nish-outs to cost approximately $75-$100 per square foot. How- ever, maintenance items such as paint or carpet will not be covered by city funds. The city will invest $500,000 in scal year 2025-26, with another $1 million planned for FY 2026-27.
O ce Readiness Program requirements
Both paths require program participants to be or to attract targeted industry tenants. Additionally, the tenant path can also be a regional/national headquarters.
Requirements
Property owner path
Tenant path
Minimum investment
$2 million
$750,000
Minimum lease
5 years
5 years
Job requirements
Must maintain baseline occupancy and jobs with annual reporting
Must create at least 10 life sciences jobs in a year or 50 jobs in ve years for other industries
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AUBREY HOWELL
The background
Stay tuned
exible seating and higher nishes. Alexander said the idea for the program came after the city approved a $12.5 million agreement with Rebees, a commercial real estate company, to support o ce modernizations in Sugar Land Town Square. “[The Sugar Land Town Square agreement] helped me develop the program … helped me come up with the eligibility pathways and the rationale behind the funding,” she said.
The city has seen a change in its workforce pref- erences, which Alexander said could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, with many o ces con- tinuing hybrid or remote workplaces, causing the need for the city to make buildings more desirable to achieve its goal of attracting businesses. Additionally, many businesses have moved to higher-quality buildings as the buildings included in the program are aging and do not have the additional features companies are seeking, such as
More than just seeing the o ce vacancies go down, Alexander said another return on investment is the modernizing of spaces that can be used for years to come as the city shifts its focus to redevelopment with only 4% of developable land remaining. “The nal product that’s going to exist, the infrastructure that’s going to exist— that’s the true ROI,” she said. “We have the funds to be able to put back in our community—that’s what they’re there for.” Mayor Carol McCutcheon said the program shows the city’s commitment to ensuring the community stays competitive in the region. City o cials said they hope the program, which is one of the mayor’s rst major initiatives since being sworn in last June, can lead the way for the Greater Houston area. “Sugar Land is growing, and we need the right space for that growth,” McCutcheon said. “It is purposeful progress and workforce-focused growth that meets today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s future.” Applications for the program are ongoing until the scal year funding runs out, with new applications opening for FY 2026-27 on Oct. 1, Alexander said. Projects must be within the project area during the pilot, although she said boundaries could be expanded in the future. Each contract will be drawn on a case-by-case basis, with each project looking di erent based on improvements and needs, Alexander said. Interested businesses, property owners, brokers and developers are encouraged to contact the Sugar Land O ce of Economic Development at ecodev@sugarlandtx.gov. The city also launched the Sugar Land Starts Innovation Fund, a new economic development initiative designed to attract start-ups to Sugar Land, o cials announced in a March 4 news release. The program aims to build the city’s innovation ecosystem help ll vacant o ce space. “By strengthening our o ce market, we are supporting quality job growth, attracting high- caliber employers, and ensuring our community remains competitive in the region.”
Sugar Land programs aimed at revitalization 2025
2026
October: Sugar Land o cials
February: Sugar Land Development Corp. approves O ce Readiness program
May 20: O cials approve revitalization agreement for Sugar Land Town Square
launch Retail Refresh Grant
February 4: City Council approves 2025-27 strategic plan
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Historical total o ce vacancy space by quarter
Zooming out
10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%
Although the Sugar Creek area has seen an in ux of vacancies, the overall Sugar Land market is at an approximate 15% vacancy rate, which is lower than the Houston metro at 22%, o cials said. This further emphasizes revitalizing the aging area to ensure the o ces can attract clients instead of remaining near empty, Alexander said. O ce vacancies continued to rise across Fort Bend County in 2025, reaching 22.9%, according to a fourth-quarter 2025 commercial real estate report from Colliers. However, this is down from the same quarter of 2024, which saw a 25.6% vacancy rate. As the county’s population nears 1 million residents—and with estimates saying that could double by 2050—Keri Schmidt, president and CEO of the Fort Bend Regional Partnership, said Sugar Land is leading the way in both commercial and residential revitalization with this new program helping to attract diversi ed businesses to the area. “Sugar Land is really in a unique spot where they’re blazing the trail in Fort Bend County as a community that has less than 4% of property to expand,” she said. “Their focus is on all the right things right now.”
2021
2022
2023
2024 2025
SOURCE: COLLIERS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Occupancy chart O cials said the city’s overall vacancy rate sits at 15%, although the city does not have Class A workspaces, which are the premier o ce spaces with prime locations and specialty features.
Avg. Asking Rent ($/sq. ft.)
True Class A Presence
Inventory (sq. ft)
Vacancy Rate
Market
Sugar Land
9.4M 15% $30 Near- Class A
The Woodlands
13.7M 17% $35
Yes
CAROL MCCUTCHEON, SUGAR LAND MAYOR
Houston (Metro)
264M 22% $30
Yes
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
Community
Camp Guide
2026
ACES Volleyball The camp helps develop volleyball skills through drills and game-like scenarios, helping players focus on proper mechanics, techniques and ball control. Type: sports Ages: 8-16 Dates: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June 2-July 29 Cost: $185 (before May 19), $205 (after May 19) • 2701 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City • www.acesvbschool.com Camp Club Sienna The Kidventure day camp leads campers through different themed destinations each week with their “passport to adventure.” Type: arts, sports Ages: entering first through fifth grade Dates: June 1-July 31 (no camp June 19 or July 4) Cost: $360 weekly, add-ons available for lunch and extended days • 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City • www.kidventure.com/houston-summer-camps
Elite University An education-based summer program with an emphasis on nature, STEM and creativity. Type: academics, arts, day Ages: 3-13 Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $250-$350 weekly The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land The museum offers week-long educational camps on paleontology, robotics, coding, chemistry and physics. Type: academics, day Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $284-$355 weekly (non-members) $236-$295 weekly (members) • 13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.hmns.org • 800 Brooks Street, Sugar Land • www.elitesummercamps.com
iCode Sugar Land The camp offers a science, technology, engineering and math curriculum with hands-on activities. Type: academics, arts Ages: 6-17 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $459 weekly (full day), $279 weekly (half day), $99 (single day) Language Kids World The immersion camp helps children learn international languages, such as Spanish, French, Mandarin and ASL, through activities, games and cultural surprises. Type: academics, day Ages: 3-11 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $195-$365 weekly • 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City • www.languagekids.com/camps • 4899 Hwy. 6, Ste. 113C, Missouri City • www.icodeschool.com/sugarland117
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Study Dorm Students can work on their math, reading and writing skills each week. High school participants can also prepare for the SAT, ACT and PSAT. Type: academics, day Ages: 6-18 Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $160-plus weekly • 15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. B, Sugar Land • www.mystudydorm.com Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery The center offers art camp and Lego camp. Campers can attend the camps in the morning from 9 a.m.-noon or in the afternoon from 1-4 p.m. Type: arts Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 1-Aug. 6 Cost: $189 weekly (half-day), $378 weekly (full-day) • 104 Industrial Blvd., Ste. Q, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandartcenter.org Survivor Summer Camp Campers at Olympia Gymnastics and Tumbling rotate through activity stations that include open gym, spots, outside activities, games and inflatables. Type: sports Ages: 4-14
Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $80 daily, $300 weekly • 7100 Knights Court, Missouri City • www.olympiatx.com
Sugar Land
TNBA Houston Camp The camp helps basketball players of every level take their game to the next level. Players will receive expert instruction in drills and skill development. Type: day, sports Ages: 5-17 Dates: June 8-12, July 27-31 Cost: $175-$315 weekly • 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land • www.tnbahouston.com U.K. International Soccer Camp Under the guidance of experienced soccer coaches, campers will learn dribbling, control, shooting and more. Type: day, sports Ages: 8-14 Dates: June 15-19, July 13-17 Cost: $200 weekly • 2511 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land • www.uksoccer.com This list is not comprehensive.
Art Camps at Cordovan Art School The school offers various weekly themed camps for children utilizing different art media and techniques in the full-, half- and extended-day camps.
Type: arts Ages: 5-16 Dates: Weekdays from May 26-Aug. 14 Costs: Starting at $299 weekly • 3219 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land • www.cordovanartschool.com
New Leadership. Bold Beginnings. A GRAND FUTURE . THURSDAY, MARCH 26 TH | 2:30 pm - 4:30pm RSVP BY MARCH 24 TH | 281.984.6261 AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT. REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE.
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SUGAR LAND 17602 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479
AMEGYBANK.COM/GOLD
1. Please refer to the Deposit Account Agreement, Account Disclosure, Deposit Rate Sheet and Personal Account Schedule of Fees, or speak with a banker for more details. 2. Gold Account customers must elect to do autopay from their Gold Account at the time of originating a new loan to qualify for the rate discount. Selected products include Home Equity Line Of Credit, Auto loan, Recreational Vehicle loan, Unsecured Term loan, and Unsecured Line of Credit. Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. 3. Interest rate bonuses are automatically applied to qualifying interest-bearing deposit accounts when the primary account holder of the checking account is also an owner of the qualifying linked accounts. See the Amegy Bank Deposit Products Rate Sheet for more information. 4. $0 for transactions at ATMs owned by Amegy Bank or other divisions of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Unlimited ATM fees waived on this account for transactions at non-Zions Bancorporation, N.A. ATMs when using Visa® Debit or ATM Cards. Additional ATM fees may be assessed by operators of ATMs not owned by Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Unlimited ATM operator fee refunds will be provided on this account for transaction charges assessed by non-Zions Bancorporation, N.A. ATM operators when using Amegy Bank Visa® Debit or ATM Cards. REVISION DATE: 02/26/2026
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BY ROO MOODY
Meet the camp turning screen time into storytelling Five years ago, four best friends from Seven Lakes High School collaborated to create a summer camp. The foursome bonded over the creation of their high school’s lm club and stayed friends through- out college before deciding to form Creator Camp in 2021, a summer camp designed to make using technology creatively more accessible for kids. After a lot of passion, dedication and one Shark Tank appearance later, co-founders Cazden Morri- son, Jacky Chao, Robbie Davidson and Kai Forman are projected to serve 20,000 kids this year during Creator Camp’s sixth summer. About the program During the second year of Creator Camp, Morrison said they started to see a more impactful e ect taking place throughout the summer. He said the camp was taking “iPad kids” who were reliant on consuming videos or games and inspiring them to turn their screen time into some- thing more productive, such as creating their own animations and lms. How it works Creator Camp o ers two and three-day camps with a range of themes, including entrepreneurship, lmmaking, YouTube creation, Minecraft and music production.
Creator Camp operates in 30-plus locations and has taught more than 10,000 students.
PHOTOS COURTESY CREATOR CAMP
Three of Creator Camp’s cofounders went on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2024 and made a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $350,000 for 18% equity.
www.creatorcamp.org Locations vary
There are various themes for two and three-day camps.
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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§ On-site Lamar Consolidated ISD § 1,000 acres of parks, trails and greenspace, walkable neighborhoods, a sprawling live music pavilion, and stimulating play areas § Offers direct access to the Grand Parkway and Fort Bend Parkway, making it easy to reach Houston and beyond. Wherever work takes you, home is never far when you live at Austin Point!
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