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We plan to develop The Dryer into a venue with a Museum, community play area (green space), children's playground, and Katy Beer Garden with food and drinks. Please follow our journey with exciting project on our facebook page.
The J.V. Cardiff & Sons Rice Dryer has been the skyline of the City of Katy for over 60 years.
1943
In 1943 J.V. Cardiff & Sons started building the 1st concrete dryer in Texas. This was the 1st rice dryer in Texas which still stands facing US Hwy-90. There is an underground tunnel under this building spanning the entire length of the silo!
1945
Business was doing well, the Cardiffs decided to expand and build their second concrete rice dryer with twice the capacity.
1966
In 1966, the Cardiffs hired Borton Company from Hutchinson, KS to build their largest and tallest rice dryer. When it was completed, it stood tall at 177 feet and was the tallest rice dryer in the Country. It is still the tallest structure in Katy, Richmond and Rosenberg.
1986 - 1993
According to one of the Cardiff descendants, the last rice production was in 1987. Since then, the entire property has sat neglected and without a purpose.
2021
The property has transferred ownership a few times since 1986. But, it was never again used to dry rice and there was never any significant development.
In 2021, a local developer in Katy bought the property and began working with Katy Heritage Society (the oldest non-profit in Katy) to restore and bring life back to The Dryer.
2022
While on-going preservation of the buildings, we have been busy with planning, architectural work and engineering.
Please follow our project on our facebook page.
Amongst the base of the tallest of the three J.V. Cardiff and Sons Rice Dryers, vintage artifacts from Katy’s agricultural and pioneering history will be on display, along with photographs and tributes to local families.
From the date of purchase, local history and preservation has been at the forefront of our vision and plan. As a cooperative project between The Dryer and the Katy Heritage Society, The Dryer Museum will have heritage rich displays and exhibits year-round.
Schools, clubs, and groups will be able to make arrangements for special tours. For more information, contact the Katy Heritage Society.
We are building a real beer garden with 25,000 sf of outdoor seating under the trees and 8,500 sf indoor seating. Serving cocktails and 90+ taps of beer.
Known for their decadent burgers and gourmet fries. This popular burger joint will serve American grub at The Dryer.
The most popular and established Taco stand in Katy. For more than 18 years Tex-Taco has serve the most delicious tacos, burritos, and more.
True brick oven Mexican firewood pizzeria. Taste the difference.
Jos'Brisket has been perfecting and serving the Katy area for a few years. Started from home and ready for The Dryer.
Fast casual Asian cuisine. Serving varieties of Asian noodles and marinated meats on skewers.
We plan to develop The Dryer into a venue with a Museum, community play area (green space), children's playground, and Katy Beer Garden with food and drinks. Please follow our journey with exciting project on our facebook page.