Land development work covers a wide spectrum of possibilities, ranging from small-scale urban infill developments to large, master-planned neighborhoods. No matter the project size or location, each is critical to shaping our cities’ communities. As technology advances and societal needs change, new trends emerge in land development that revolutionize how we plan, design, and utilize land. Sustainability has become a priority in land development, with a growing use of environmentally friendly practices being used in projects. Today’s decisions about infrastructure and land use will impact communities for generations, making sustainability a major consideration. Civil engineers play a critical role in land development services, combining technical expertise with forward-thinking sustainable solutions to create more livable, resilient communities.
Smart Infrastructure is the Foundation of Sustainable Development
Integrating green infrastructure with traditional systems represents one of the most significant advances in sustainable land development. Today’s civil engineering projects increasingly incorporate natural solutions like bioswales and rain gardens alongside conventional infrastructure. These systems manage stormwater more effectively, create aesthetic value, and support local ecosystems.
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques have also impacted site design. Rather than forcing dramatic changes to existing landscapes, this approach aims to preserve natural features and minimize ecosystem disruption. This often leads to more creative solutions in grading and drainage, resulting in developments that feel true to their surroundings while meeting modern infrastructure needs. LID design in an urban infill setting can look very different, often transforming portions of paved areas into green spaces while upgrading existing stormwater infrastructure.
These sustainable approaches in civil engineering are shaping infrastructure for many new developments, including a new one managed by Pape-Dawson’s San Antonio office. Pape-Dawson conducted master planning, LID design, platting, and traffic impact studies for the 12-story, 200,000-square-foot Oxbow building home to the Credit Human headquarters. The Pape-Dawson team addressed challenges posed by the downtown location by moving utilities and rebuilding the building’s street for driver and bicyclist safety, which included improving traffic signals and close coordination with TxDOT.
From an environmental perspective, the building was designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce water demand, and reduce carbon production. It features a one-megawatt solar array, geothermal heating and cooling, rainwater storage tanks to reduce irrigation demand, and low-impact development features to manage stormwater runoff.
Maximizing Resource Efficiency Through Innovation
The Historic Pearl Brewery redevelopment is an example of best practices in sustainable urban renewal, where innovative strategies helped transform a 22-acre industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use destination while maximizing existing resources. For example, as part of this project, Pape-Dawson provided civil engineering services for the 211-unit Can Plant and Townhomes located on the 3.92-acre site of an abandoned can warehouse within the Pearl District. The Pape-Dawson team provided a wide variety of services, including a feasibility study; master planning and schematic design; platting; surveying; permitting; grading, drainage, and utility plans; traffic impact analysis; stormwater management plan; tree affidavit; and construction phase services. Because of the site’s long history and location on the San Antonio River, Pape-Dawson addressed numerous environmental, drainage, and localized flooding issues to ensure the Can Plant’s success.
The firm also provided services that included Museum Reach design along the San Antonio River, subdivision platting, construction documents, permitting, traffic impact analysis, and construction phase services. Key to the project’s success was partnering closely with the developer during master planning to allow for organic growth, adjusting the plan to be flexible while realizing the developer’s vision. For example, overbuilding parking is a common challenge for retail and restaurants. However, this was largely avoided through a parking agreement to utilize TxDOT right-of-way and only building to meet changing demand over time. This frees up more space within the development for public spaces to allow families to sit, play, or peruse a farmer’s market.
Creating Connected Communities
Land development is crucial to the transportation infrastructure that keeps our communities connected. This infrastructure fundamentally shapes how people interact with the environment. Many new developments prioritize multimodal transportation design, creating networks that serve vehicles, public transportation, pedestrians, and bicycles. Protected bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly intersections, and seamless transit integration help reduce carbon emissions while promoting public health and community connectivity.
One great example is The Bend, a 115-acre mixed-use urban community that will forever revitalize Chattanooga’s urban core. This new infill development was imagined as the city’s next live-work-play neighborhood. Roughly 40 acres will be retained for industrial use, approximately 70 acres will be converted into a mixed-use, high-density urban core, and 15 acres transformed into a dynamic riverfront park. This project strongly emphasizes the pedestrian experience, with walkable urban streetscapes, designated bike lanes, and programmed open spaces throughout the development.
The final development will feature office, residential, retail, and dining spaces, an event venue, a greenway system, a riverfront park, and marina. The Pape-Dawson team’s efforts include the design of the utility infrastructure, roadway infrastructure, central canal, hardscape, landscape elements within the streetscape, programing and planting design of the open spaces, and more.
The economic benefits of sustainable infrastructure extend far beyond initial resource savings. Well-designed sustainable systems typically require less maintenance, have longer operational lifespans, and are more reliable than traditional alternatives. These advantages translate into significant long-term cost savings for communities while supporting environmental goals. Sustainable infrastructure creates sustainable communities by embracing innovative design principles and pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure solutions. The future of urban development depends on our ability to implement creative, sustainable solutions to today’s infrastructure challenges.
Pape-Dawson’s land development services are comprehensive and designed to serve clients at every step of the development process. Our teams have contributed to delivering state-of-the-art educational facilities, hospitals, industrial developments, retail projects, master-planned communities, entertainment venues, and more. From feasibility studies and permitting to construction phase services, partner with Pape-Dawson to make your next development vision a reality.