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Council approves design contract and CMAR approach for Imperial Char House preservation
Summary
Council approved a $496,000 design contract with Urbano Architects to mothball the Imperial Char House and adopted a resolution finding CMAR procurement provides the best value for preservation work, with staff to develop RFQ/RFP grading criteria and preconstruction scope.
The City Council approved a professional services contract with Urbano Architects for $496,000 to design exterior preservation work for the Imperial Char House and adopted a resolution endorsing the construction manager at risk (CMAR) delivery method for subsequent preservation construction.
Assistant City Engineer Robert Wilson told council the Char House — a recognizable former Imperial Sugar building constructed in 1925 and vacant since 2003 — was the subject of a 2021 condition assessment and that the city purchased the site in June 2025. "This is the preservation or mothballing scope — replacement of the roofing, replacement of windows with replicated originals, and ventilation to keep the weather elements out," Wilson said, explaining the design contract is intended to stabilize the building and preserve eligibility for historic tax credits by coordinating with the Texas Historical Commission.
Wilson and staff recommended using a CMAR delivery method for the construction phase so a contractor can provide constructability input during design, estimate supply‑chain risks and present a guaranteed maximum price when construction is ready. Councilmember Betcher asked about the tradeoffs of selecting a single contractor via CMAR; staff replied grading criteria and the RFP process will be clear at the outset to ensure best value.
Councilmembers moved and seconded approval of the design contract and the CMAR resolution; both passed unanimously, 7–0. Staff said design work is expected to take approximately four months after notice to proceed and construction could start in 2026 with about a 24‑month construction window pending further planning and procurement.
