Katy Developer Faces Delays in Restoring Historic Dryer Site

Hadi Nurcahya hopes city and community support will help move his renovation plans forward.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Katy resident and developer Hadi Nurcahya purchased the historic JV Cardiff Rice Dryer in 2021 with plans to turn it into an entertainment district for the community. However, Nurcahya is facing delays in getting approvals from the city for his Phase II renovation plans, which include adding micro-vendors, a playground, a ridable train, and more. Nurcahya cites issues with the city's building department and says he is struggling to get guidance on how to meet requirements. Tonight, the Katy City Council will discuss creating a Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Group to help establish ordinances to protect historic landmarks like the Dryer.

Why it matters

The Dryer is a beloved landmark in Katy that represents the city's history in rice farming and trains. Nurcahya's plans aim to preserve the historic structure while turning it into a community gathering place. However, the delays he is facing in getting approvals threaten to derail his vision and could have financial and personal impacts if the project cannot move forward.

The details

Nurcahya's Phase II plans for The Dryer include adding six micro-vendors, a playground, a ridable train, and a model train exhibit. He wants to create an international-inspired food and beverage destination with a large green space for events. But Nurcahya says he is constantly running into roadblocks with the city's building department, which denies his plans without providing clear reasons or guidance on how to get approvals. He cites examples of double standards, like being required to have a certain number of parking spots when other businesses are allowed to do something different.

  • Nurcahya purchased the historic JV Cardiff Rice Dryer in 2021.
  • Phase I, which included the Katy Beer Garden, opened to the public last year.
  • The Katy City Council will discuss creating a Historic Preservation Commission Advisory Group at their meeting tonight, February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Hadi (Andrew) Nurcahya

The Katy resident and developer who purchased the historic JV Cardiff Rice Dryer in 2021 with plans to turn it into an entertainment district for the community.

City of Katy

The local government that Nurcahya is working with to get approvals for his renovation plans, which he says have been difficult and include unexplained denials.

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What they’re saying

“My inspiration came from the Magnolia Silo in Waco and The Pearl in San Antonio. We are incorporating more heritage and history with our venue due to our deep roots here in Katy for Trains and Rice Farming.”

— Hadi (Andrew) Nurcahya, Developer for The Dryer (Katy Magazine Online)

“We, like many Katy businesses, are very overburdened by the City of Katy building department. When he is denied he also isn't told the reason and is unable to meet with the people who make the decisions for guidance.”

— Hadi (Andrew) Nurcahya, Developer for The Dryer (Katy Magazine Online)

What’s next

Tonight, February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. the City of Katy Council will discuss the creation of a Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Advisory Group. If approved, this group will help formulate the ordinances necessary to establish a formal Historical Preservation Board, which Nurcahya hopes will be a pivotal step toward protecting the rice dryers and other historic landmarks in Katy.

The takeaway

The challenges Nurcahya is facing in getting approvals for his plans to renovate the historic JV Cardiff Rice Dryer highlight the need for the city of Katy to establish clearer guidelines and processes to support the preservation of important landmarks. Nurcahya's vision to turn the Dryer into a community gathering place could benefit Katy, but he needs the city's cooperation to move the project forward.