Central Sugar Land Livability Study

Central Sugar Land Livable Centers Study - Blazing Trails in the Heart of Sugar Land: A Vibrant Livability Study

In partnership with our region's Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC), the City of Sugar Land applied for and was awarded funding to conduct a Livable Centers Study. The objective of the Livable Centers Program is to reimagine auto-focused infrastructure and to help create quality, walkable, mixed-use places with safe space for various travel choices that reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and transportation safety, and promote economic development. This first small area study is the next level of mobility planning coming out of the 2023 Mobility Master Plan. The study area includes central Sugar Land (SH6 & US59 intersection and surrounding areas) and was chosen to ensure optimal connectivity with Regional Activity Centers like Lake Pointe and Town Square, and Neighborhood Activity Centers such as First Colony Commons and the Market at First Colony.

What is a Livable Center?

Livable Centers are places where people can live, work, and play with less reliance on their cars. They encourage a complementary mix of land uses that are designed to be walkable, connected, and accessible by multiple modes of transportation.

What makes an area LIVABLE?

COMPACT development – area is walkable with open spots for vibrant social interactions and less reliance on automobiles.

INTEGRATED land uses – bringing workplaces, restaurants, and commercial activity centers closer together so people of all ages can easily access spaces and services.

DIVERSE housing options – choices for all stages of life and economies included.

TRANSPORTATION – with multiple choices available and safe spaces for all regardless of mode, age, or ability.

Source: AARP Livable Communities 2015

Purpose of the Central Sugar Land Livable Centers Study

The study, led by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in coordination with the City of Sugar Land, identified opportunities to improve and invest in the central Sugar Land community and investigated the possible development of an array of housing options, retail/office, and civic destinations within walking distance of community gathering places. Based on community feedback, the study proposed recommendations to improve connectivity and mobility, stimulate equitable economic development, and create a better quality of life for Sugar Land residents.

Study Area

The central Sugar Land study area is approximately 3.7 square miles and is bounded by Creekbend Drive, First Colony Boulevard, Lexington Boulevard, Austin Parkway, Williams Trace Boulevard, and Settlers Way Boulevard. The intersection of U.S. 59 and State Highway 6 bisects the study area, which is the busiest and one of the most congested intersections in the region. Over the past several years, the community has expressed safety concerns for pedestrians and bicycles crossing this intersection and their desire to have safe and accessible multimodal connections between activity centers in Sugar Land.

Map of Study Area