SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) -- Sugar Land just moved one step closer toward redeveloping the Imperial Historic District.

On Tuesday, the city announced it agreed to pay $496,000 to Urbano Architects to begin designing preservation work needed to stabilize the iconic Imperial Sugar Char House.

The structure, which is about 100 years old, is in need of major repairs.

"Preserving the Char House is about more than saving a building. It is about honoring Sugar Land's history and the generations who built this community," Mayor Carol McCutcheon said. "This work prepares the Char House for future redevelopment and ensures that generations of Sugar Landers can continue to experience a tangible piece of our city's story as we shape its next chapter."

Funding for this phase is included in a $50 mi

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