Shadow Creek Ranch, a 3,305-acre mixed-use development in Pearland, Texas, will soon be marked by its primary entry monument just west of U.S. Highway 288.
Phase I infrastructure is already taking shape in the planned development which eventually calls for 12,000 homes, light industry and commercial projects, seven new schools, a fire and police station, new library, several churches, a senior assisted living center, 300 acres of public lakes, and 170 acres of park land with over 22 miles of hike-and-bike trails.
When it is completed in 15 years, Shadow Creek Ranch is expected to double Pearland's population of 38,000.
Since May 1998, LJA Engineering has been providing complete engineering services for the project, including surveying, design and construction services for the water distribution system, sanitary sewers, storm drainage systems, lakes, and streets. LJA was also instrumental in the creation of both the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and Public Improvement District (PID) to facilitate development in the area. The TIRZ dedicates the tax on the incremental difference between the land's original value and its developed value to finance improvements, while the PID establishes a fixed assessment to each residential lot which can be paid in full or financed over time.
LJA also assisted the developer with the acquisition of land comprising over 120 separate properties. LJA's review of title information, the coordination of previously prepared surveys, and the compilation of the land into one exhibit helped the developer track the process more efficiently.
Linked Lakes
A key feature of Shadow Creek Ranch is a 300-acre linked system of lakes and dry detention basins located throughout the property.
The proposed drainage system developed by LJA Engineering involves the creation of several lakes on the site. As part of the proposed master drainage plan, these lakes are then used as an interconnected detention system designed to control the flow of storm water into Clear Creek, which runs along Shadow Creek's northern boundary. The lake system is part of the TIRZ plan for Shadow Creek Ranch. All costs to construct the lakes including the land value are reimbursable to developers as part of the TIRZ financing plan.
In a recent meeting, Mr. John Hargrove, Pearland's City Engineer, called the plan "one of the best, if not the best" master drainage plans he has reviewed. According to David Tinney, senior project manager for LJA, this comment reflects LJA's commitment to providing the highest level of service to its clients and the communities in which the firm works.
