Several key engineering and construction milestones have been reached on the development of
Sienna Plantation, a 10,500-acre residential community in southeast Fort Bend County.
LJA has provided complete engineering services for Sienna Plantation, including infrastructure
design, hydrology/hydraulics, levee improvements, utility design and construction coordination,
working with client AFG Johnson Development L.L.C. since the ground breaking in 1996.
Although the project has expanded, the concept of Sienna Plantation has not changed. The
community was designed to preserve as much of the site's topography -- natural features include
Oyster Creek, Cow Bayou and trees as old as 300 years -- as well as its rich history as one of the
largest sugar cane, cotton and brick producing plantations in the country, housing the original
brick barn as well as 1800's-vintage railroad trestles.
When complete, Sienna Plantation is expected to serve 60,000 residents. Also included in long
term plans are retirement homes, elementary schools, day care and commercial facilities.
Blending the past and future
Adding to its natural advantages, key features planned for the property include two 18-hole golf
courses and 2,000 acres of recreational green belt, in addition to 90 acres of natural and man-
made lakes. Sienna Plantation has also planned for high technology use, with fiber optic cable
throughout and its own utility company to provide cable, phone and other services.
With infrastructure for Sienna Plantation MUD No. 2 complete, 422 residents are currently living
in Sienna Plantation in homes ranging from $120,000 to $1,000,000. Other progress includes:
Completion of Club Sienna - The community center at the hub of the community is anticipated
to be completed by year-end. Amenities include tennis and swimming facilities, a full-size water
park, plus an amphitheater overlooking a lake.
Completion of Aesthetic Lake System - Four bodies of water providing detention as well as
community aesthetics have been completed.
Completion of Golf Course - The first 18-hole golf course has been constructed; plans are to
open the course for play in Spring 2000.
Engineering challenges
Two separate levee systems address flooding and drainage issues for the Sienna Plantation
community. The addition of 2,700 acres north of the original site entailed designing an additional
levee to work within the existing framework, structure and neighboring communities.
In the course of design, LJA is working with the Brazos River Corridor Group, comprised of a
number of federal and local agencies, to preserve wildlife and natural features while incorporating
a number of recreational features in the levee system. As a result, soccer and softball fields, picnic
areas and jogging trails will be provided in the system.
Says Doug Goff, AFG Johnson, General Manager, "Sienna Plantation is planned in every way --
above ground and below, inside and out -- with long term quality and quality of life in mind. We
feel like our improvements have made the property's unique natural features even better. This is a
truly wonderful place to live."
