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The Story of the Sweetest Sweetest
City in Texas
by Alisha McMillen
You may recognize the Cordes name if you live in Sugar Land. Over the years, father and son have helped shape the city into what it is today.
Roy Cordes, Sr. was Sugar Land’s mayor from
1972 through 1981 after also serving on the City Council. His son, Roy Cordes, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and was also a member of city council from 1981 through 1990. He then became a county judge and worked as Deputy General Counsel for the most Sugar Land of Sugar Land companies, Imperial Sugar Company.
Roy Cordes Jr.’s late wife, Helen, also left her own mark helping her Sugar Land neighbors – she is the namesake behind the Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse, Inc.’s award, presented for a dozen years, honoring her generous community spirit and community achievements.
“Growing up and seeing my dad and his friends so involved in our community developed my personal desire to give back to the residents of Sugar Land,” Roy Jr. says. “My father’s and my shared goal was to always try to leave things better than before you got there.”
Roy currently sits on the board of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, charged with the
mission of researching, collecting, preserving, and communicating the history, culture, and values of the Sugar Land community, and to help guide the community toward its future. In turn, Roy has a wealth of information to share.
“I’m a second generation Sugar Land native. Mom was born in Sugar Land and Dad moved here in 1939 with his family,” Roy explains. “Other than the years I was in the Air Force and college, plus a short stint in Beaumont working my first job out of law school, I’ve lived my life in Sugar Land. My mom, who is 101 years old, still lives on Oyster Creek. I attended Lakeview Elementary, Sugar Land Junior High School, and Dulles High School.” He spent his early professional years working for corporations before becoming a public
Original wood frame classroom
servant. “I saw a lot of growth when I was on the City Council. In 1981, our population was only around 8,000 people. By 1990, the population had grown to almost 25,000 people,” he says. “The development of First Colony during the 1980s, a community that sits on land that was a part of the Stephen F. Austin and Williams land grants in the 1820s, contributed greatly to the increase.”
Roy Cordes, Jr.
Sugar Land and Imperial Sugar both mature in the 1950s
The Imperial Char House under construction in 1925
Sugar Land City Hall Building, circa 1990
Lakeview school campus, circa 1918
Back in the early 1900s, Sugar Land started as a company town. “The city started very small, with about 100 people,” Roy says. “When W.T. Eldridge and Ike Kempner took over Imperial Sugar, they developed Imperial into one of the first planned communities in the area. They brought housing, a medical clinic, schools, a hospital, and stores into the city. Imperial’s subsidiary, Sugar Land Industries, developed the neighborhoods of The Hill, Mayfield Park, and the homes along Brooks Street.”
Dr. Don “Doc” Hull and his wife, Jenny, founded Hull Field in 1953, which is now the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The original
3,200-foot asphalt runway at the Sugar Land Airport was built in 1963, and it was later replaced with an 8,000-foot reinforced concrete runway in 1985. “The airport has had a huge impact on the growth of the city,” Roy says. “It started as a grass runway before the asphalt was laid in 1963.” Today, the airport sees about 120 take-offs and landings every day.
“People from my generation had a DQ, one restaurant, and one theatre,” Roy laughs. “But today, Sugar Land is a diverse, cultural, and historic place to
call home. It is a city with a lot to offer – job opportunities, a good family atmosphere. It’s a well-run city that’s maturing every year. Our current population is around 107,000 residents.”
Today’s Sugar Land offers masterplanned communities with a smalltown feel. It’s culturally progressive with several museums, like the Sugar Land Heritage Museum, Art Museum TX, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. You get performing arts with the Smart Financial Centre and Crown Festival Park. It has restaurants and shopping to cater to the city’s diverse ethnicities and cultures, topped off with great schools and educational support businesses. It’s a place you can make an investment on a home – a place you’ll live for decades.
“Over time, as Sugar Land has grown, it’s embraced ethnic and cultural diversity. It’s one of the things that brings strength to our community,” Roy says. “The city has a good track record of growing positively and working with everyone, making it a great home with everything a resident could want in their community. It’s a phenomenal place to grow up.”
Hall, the Sugar Land Express
On the cover:
Cathy Stubbs is the premier real estate agent serving Fort Bend County. She will help you find the perfect home in an amazing community with great amenities, stellar schools, and diversity. It’s a great place to raise your family.
john@upclosemagazine.com
UpClose Magazine and the Fort Bend Independent are excited to announce the latest round of winners of the Best of Fort Bend County for 2025. Thanks to everyone who voted in this round. Please vote in future rounds for your favorite neighborhood businesses! Look for more Best of Fort Bend Winners in future issues of UpClose Magazine, and in the Fort Bend Independent! Congratulations to Fort Bend’s Best!
Best Real Estate Agent: Cathy Stubbs 281-967-6149 O cathystubbs.com
Best Flooring Company: Lone Star Floors 10009 Highway 6 South, Sugar Land, TX 281-564-1345
Best Pest Control Management: Integrated Pest Management 1118 E Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX 77406 281-341-1761 O integrated-pest.com
We thank you for your continued support of our local, family-owned business.
Since 1984, Integrated Pest Management has provided quality, full-service pest control and a retail store in Richmond for our do-it-yourself customers.
Best Roofing Company: Beam Roofing & Construction 832-232-1799 O beamroofing.com
Best Pizzeria: Gino's Italian Joint 304 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469 713-489-1854 O ginositalianjoint.com
by Nicole Grace
Good Brushing Results in Good Check-ups
Joshua, 13, has been seeing Dr. Faisal Khan, founder and owner of Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, for six years – almost half of his young life. His father is in the military, so Joshua’s grandma, Linda, takes him to his check-ups every six months.
“He goes in for fluoride and cleanings. He’s done all of his checkups and hasn’t had any cavities. He does a great job brushing his teeth,” Linda explains. “Most recently, he went in to see if he’s ready for braces!”
Dr. Khan is known for his gentle touch and his ability to build a great rapport with even his littlest patients. “The first time Joshua went in, they talked to him a lot, explained all of the processes, and let him know all about the sounds he was hearing and what they were doing,” Linda says. “They made him comfortable so he’s not nervous at all to go to the dentist.”
Joshua loves the under-the-sea theme in the practice’s lobby and enjoys the video games and the movie theatre. “The lobby is so welcoming. I always see kids dancing there,” Linda explains. “But we don’t spend much time in the lobby because they’re quick. They typically take us back right away.”
“The office staff are all very kind and communicative,” she continues. “They send us an email ahead of every appointment and accommodate our timing so he doesn’t miss too much school.”
With the start of a new school year, the time is right to incorporate good brushing habits into your school-year routine so your children can avoid needing to have cavities filled. “Toothbrushes should be changed every three months or immediately after recovering from an illness. Adhere to the 2x2 Rule with your children every day,” Dr. Khan adds.
“Brush twice daily for two minutes. This will help keep your kid’s teeth healthier between visits.”
Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Khadija Khan, and Dr. Anna Feng, as well as an oral surgeon, and an anesthesiologist, join Dr. Khan at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics. “Everyone here is so hard working,” says Dr. Khan. “As a team, we all really care for our patients!”
“I give the office a 10, all the way down the line,” Linda concludes. “I would recommend Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to anyone needing a pediatric dentist.”
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-579-0960
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
Memorial Pediatric Dental
Dr. David Tang, DDS 281-822-6600
791 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 210 Houston, TX 77024 memorialpediatricdds.com
F CUS
Stop the Spinning with Compounded Treatments
by Nicole Grace
Dr.
Yasmeen Jalal, MD, is an Otolaryngologist, better known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, in Sugar Land. She is the owner and practicing physician at Town Center Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic.
“I treat diseases of the ears, nose, and throat, which in our area includes a lot of allergic diseases,” Dr. Jalal says. Many of her patients experience Vertigo, a type of dizziness that specifically refers to the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you’re not. It’s a symptom of vestibular dysfunction, meaning it’s often related to issues with the inner ear or the parts of the brain that control balance.
A partner of Campbell’s Compounding for a decade, Dr. Jalal sends her Vertigo patients to them for a compounded mix of Betahistine. “This drug is sold over the counter in many other countries, including Mexico and Europe. It’s one of the most effective treatment protocols for Vertigo symptoms. It’s a great relief to know I can help my patients obtain access to this effective treatment through compounding,” she says.
Dr. Jalal also prescribes compounded formulas for sinus rinses and other sinus medications. “We live in an area with so many allergens – pecan trees, oak trees, grasses, mold. People end up with polyps and nasal disease. It can be difficult to find solutions for sinus symptoms. But I am confident in sending my patients to Campbell’s Compounding for custom solutions,” she says.
“Sometimes, you need a custom treatment for your custom problem,”
says Dr. Lisa Mathew, compounding pharmacist at local Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy. “At Campbell’s Compounding, with a physician’s supervision, we can combine multiple active ingredients in a single formulation that can potentially enhance efficacy and simplify treatment.”
“The customer service at Campbell’s is excellent. They have a deep understanding of what can be done in unusual situations. And the communication between their pharmacy, the patient, and the physician is thoughtful and thorough,” Dr. Jalal concludes.
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy was founded in 2003 by Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph. The pharmacy prides itself on customer service by providing a family feel. Dr. Campbell says, “We work hard to help your family feel their best!”
“If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!”
Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 103
Land, TX 77479
6603 Kirby Dr. Houston, TX 77005
10TH ANNUAL Classic Chevrolet CHILI COOK-OFF
Saturday, October 25th, 4pm - 8pm
Be a sponsor of the event! Put together a cook-off team! Call 281-491-9000 We’re looking for sponsors to make this the biggest and most successful chili-cook off yet!
Dr. Yasmeen Jalal of Town Center Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic
The Community Counts on Classic
by Alisha McMillen
“AtClassic, we like to help our Fort Bend neighbors,” says Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land’s General Sales Manager, John Aldridge, Jr. “We want everyone in our community to know they can trust the Classic name.”
You’ve likely seen Classic Chevrolet employees around the town. They are a recognized pillar of the community, helping organizations that help others.
“We want to take care of Sugar Land,” John says. “We’re your home-town car dealer. We focus our community support in our own back yard.”
These are just a few of the upcoming community events where you’ll see Classic employees in attendance.
• Voices for Children, Sept. 12 – Supporting the mission of Child Advocates of Fort Bend of ending childhood abuse and neglect.
• Vettes for Vets, Sept. 13 – Classic Chevrolet is sponsoring the annual Vettes for Vets program, hosted by the Corvette Owners Club of Houston, to provide a special day for our area’s veterans where they get a ride in a Chevrolet Corvette, a great lunch, and camaraderie with fellow veterans.
• Classic Chevrolet’s own Chili Cook-off, Oct. 25 – Classic is accepting sponsors and cook-off teams for it’s 10th Chili Cook-off, being held at the dealership. Bring your family for chili, shaved ice, balloon animals, and a DJ.
“Our guys have fun here. It’s the Classic way of doing things,” John explains. “We deal with families in our dealership every day. We’re a part of some of the huge moments in their lives – buying the teenager a first car and upgrading the family car. We want to be a part of their lives outside the dealership too. That’s why you’ll see us out in the community, helping our neighbors.”
These are a few of the past events in which Classic Chevrolet participated.
• Title Sponsor of the Missouri City Fourth FestIndependence Day Festival
• The Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse’s Helen Cordes Luncheon
• Missouri City Juneteenth Events
• The Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Field of Honor 2024, recognizing veterans, first responders and hometown heroes
• Corvettes Ready Car Show in Sugar Land Town Square
• Vettes for Vets 2024, benefitting area veterans
• Golf Tournaments
- Fort Bend Chamber Challenge
- Cy-Fair Athletics Booster
- Dr. T.R. Williams, A Mind To Work
- Smart Financial Foundation
• Galas/Dinners
- Child Advocates of Fort Bend
- Attack Poverty Bright Lights
- Empty Bowls (East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry)
- Fort Bend Women’s Center, Boogie Woogie Bon Voyage
- Meals on Wheels, Cinco de Mayo at La Cocina
- The Exchange Club of Sugar Land Spaghetti Cook-off
- Fort Bend Education Foundation Up Up and Away
- Women’s Veteran Event
“We want Fort Bend residents to know we’re here to support them. That’s why we treat our customers like family and get out in the community to help make a difference,” John concludes. “We’re there for them when they’re inside the dealership as well. Everyone at Classic Chevy Sugar Land is committed to taking care of the customer in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Come to Classic to relax and enjoy the difference.”
Classic Chevy Sugar Land
13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-491-9000
classicchevysugarland.com
Classic Chevy
8100 HWY 6 South Houston, TX 77083
281-983-9807
classicchevyhwy6.com
Creating Beauty and Confidence
by Alisha McMillen
Dr.Ahmadi, founder and owner of Avante Plastic Surgery, developed his innovative (and trademarked) technique called LipoTuck ™ , a combined tummy tuck and liposuction procedure, more than 20 years ago. A technique that combines two procedures in one surgery, LipoTuck is conducted in the surgical center attached to the Avante office in the heart of Sugar Land. Today, after two decades, the procedure is used by plastic surgeons everywhere and is often called 360 Lipo.
“We’re still perfecting the technique with every surgery we do. We need to make sure the belly button is pretty and the scars are low and thin,” Dr. Ahmadi explains. “It’s rewarding to see the newly found confidence in people who have never worn a twopiece swimsuit before. Some people cry because they’re able to wear something they never thought they’d be comfortable in.”
“Now a drainless procedure, recovery is faster and easier than ever,” Dr. Ahmadi continues. “People are able to return to their normal activity level quickly. The very next day after surgery, they walk themselves into my office and are usually driving the second week after surgery.”
Dr. Ahmadi has even developed a way to reduce post-op pain significantly without the use of narcotics. “Having a surgical center onsite makes it even easier for Fort Bend residents to have this procedure done,” he explains. “There’s no reason to drive into Houston when it’s available right in your own backyard.”
Dr. Ahmadi began his practice in 2002 and has been in the same location ever since. He is the longest-practicing plastic surgeon in the area and opened the first office-based surgery center for plastic surgery in Sugar Land. Dr. Ahmadi explains, “I just enjoy what I do. It’s so fun to see the transformations. I really like the challenge of plastic surgery.”
An expert at his LipoTuck technique, Dr. Ahmadi also does other types of plastic surgery, including: LipoTuck for the arms, face, and thighs; Deep Plane facelifts; thigh, arm, and flank lifts; plus-size tummy tucks; upper and lower eyelid lifts; rhinoplasty; post weight loss surgery; and more. “We even offer the ‘once in a decade’ chemical peel that can turn back the clock on aging significantly,” he says.
Any type of surgery can be nervewracking for patients, but Dr. Ahmadi quickly eases the anxiety for his patients. He explains everything in detail with a calm and soothing demeanor that immediately makes patients feel comfortable.
“I get a lot of hugs from patients after they see their results,” he says with an easy smile. “We’re successful here because we only do what we need to do … we don’t add unnecessary procedures. I’ve been doing this successfully for so many years that I can tell exactly how each patient will look in the end from the early moments in the consult room. We’re upfront and honest and just want you to be comfortable the minute you walk in the door.”
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Are Trees the ROOT
of Your Plumbing Problem?
by Nicole Grace
We’re lucky in Fort Bend County to have so many beautiful, mature trees. They provide shade which increases energy efficiency. They allow us to enjoy the neighborhood wildlife that lives within them.
“The trees bring so many great things to our yards and homes. But they can also bring problems,” says Master Plumber Luke Burkhalter of Alan’s Plumbing. “Those trees have roots that will find any water source around to get a drink. Your main water service line is likely PVC piping, which a root can penetrate as a means of survival, causing a blockage.”
“The first symptoms of a pipe blockage under your home are clogs. Nothing is flushing … toilets, sinks, or the clothes washer are backing up,” Luke explains. “Our first step is to try to clear the clog with a long snake. If further attention is needed, we have specialized cameras to inspect the pipes and determine exactly where breaks have occurred.”
“With a sewer stoppage under the house, you may also see foundation movements,” continues Luke. “In Fort Bend County, many homes are 40 to 60 years old, which are notorious for foundation shifts. When your foundation shifts, your plumbing moves with it, often resulting in pipe breakage.”
For big jobs like broken pipes under the home, Alan’s Plumbing may recommend a repair using tunneling. “Tunnels are all done outside the home, avoiding the need to break holes through the slab to repair the problems from within the home. We first use our camera to pinpoint the location of the break, and then complete the tunnel work itself,” explains Luke.
For nearly 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing company in Fort Bend. In the early days, the team consisted of only Alan and his wife, Jennifer.
Today, Alan’s brother, Chris, works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, and plumbers Jaime, Christian, and Anthony. Apprentices Nick, Noah, and PJ round out the plumbing team, while Alan’s wife, Jennifer, manages the administrative responsibilities with the help of Katie and Katy. (The youngest Burkhalter brother, Jake, is in plumbing sales.)
“Homeowners should be aware that Sugar Land and many surrounding areas require city permits and inspections,” adds Luke. “It is important to use a licensed plumber that will pull the permit and follow the city’s requirements. At Alan’s Plumbing, we ensure that your project is completed successfully in a timely manner, while following all of the required rules.”
“We help business owners, high-net-worth individuals, or professionals seeking smart financial strategies to reduce tax burdens, protect assets, and grow wealth sustainably.”
About Charles Charles has over 20 years of experience guiding individuals and businesses to financial success. His proven strategies empower clients to build wealth, minimize taxes and secure their financial futures.
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Proactive planning to reduce tax liabilities legally and effectively.
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Helping clients understand their financial picture and build strategies for growth.
General Office
Consulting Services
Guidance on entity structuring, compliance, and long-term planning.
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Ensuring clients understand why decisions are made, not just what is done.
Address: 4810 W Panther Creek Dr Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX
Email: info@chnadvisors.com
Phone: +832 901 0167
Work Time: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (CST)
A Full Home Makeover by the Re-Modelista
by Alisha McMillen
When Kirby decided to update his Sugar Land home, he went all in. Instead of tackling one room at a time, he remodeled the entire house at once. “Every surface of the home has been changed – from the roof and exterior paint to all of the interior spaces, including floors, bathrooms, doors, and the entire kitchen,” Kirby explains.
When you’re spending so much money on a project, you have to be comfortable with your contractor. Kirby says, “It was a tremendous experience working with Teri Gilberg (the Re-Modelista).”
&
Your Kitchen Bath Specialist
Teri came highly recommended, and while she didn’t offer the lowest bid, Kirby says she was the one he felt most confident working with. “She’s an artist when it comes to budgets and scheduling. She promised the project would take six weeks, and it only took four. I even moved out of the house so the work could be completed faster,” he explains.
“The transformation of the kitchen was especially dramatic. Once dark and builder-grade with no island, it is now bright and open with a long island at the center. The deep navy island is surrounded by cheerful white cabinets, while pale gray walls and classic subway tile tie the space together. A frosted glass pantry door adds an elegant, high-end touch,” Kirby details.
“The powder room now showcases navy-and-white plaid wallpaper, continuing the color theme. In the primary bath, dark navy cabinets contrast beautifully with creamy white countertops, while a spacious shower features striking blue herringbone tiles. Eye-catching rustic wood barn doors with frosted glass lead into the bathroom, framed by metal accents for a modern finish,” he continues.
Kirby chose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for flooring throughout the entire house, providing the look of wood with durability and easy maintenance. Even the hidden staircase to the second floor now boasts elegant woodlook steps with crisp, white trim.
“The way Teri scheduled her contractors was executed flawlessly and amazingly. Her crews were very mindful. Even my neighbors said they were kind and respectful. Their professionalism is A++,” Kirby says. “She took care of all of the little things. And she stayed on budget.”
Collaborating with Jen and Noelle of Feather & Nest Interiors in Missouri City for color and material selections, Kirby says, “They were amazing at pulling everything together. We agreed on all the surfaces and colors in just 25 minutes. They even convinced me to use wallpaper in the powder room, and I absolutely love it.”
The remodel left a strong impression. “I plan to hire Teri again for backyard work,” Kirby says. “I’ve already recommended her to friends and fam ily. If you have remodeling needs, my advice is simple: first, hire the Re-Modelista. Then, get out of her way!”
Did you know?
The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!
Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
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• Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research