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Development of Dreamland Estates

Project Owner's Name/Address:
Private Developer (Confidential)

Completion Date (Actual or Estimated): 2017/2018
Entire Project: $20 Million
Work for Which Firm Was/Is Responsible: 100 %


GCE Engineering, Inc. (GCE) was contracted by a private developer to perform a feasibility study for the development of the 245-acre, Dreamland Estates Subdivision located in City of Baytown, ETJ, Chambers County, TX. The proposed development consisted of mix use including single family residential, commercial, office as well as open space. Work included data collection, Assessment of Existing Conditions and conducting a Development Feasibility Study.

Based on the market studies and the client’s vision to provide housing for a wide range of socio-economic groups, GCE conducted a study on various development mixes that included single family lots, mixed use comprising of retail ground floor with residential units at higher levels, as well as commercial reserves. Preliminary project layouts were developed for approximately 350 residential units. The layouts also included planned uses, mobility and road network, development staging considerations, reserves for public use, environmentally sensitive areas, and drainage and utilities. A land use summary and design reports were prepared for various development scenarios considered. This also included tabulation of various land uses based on the market studies performed, recommendations for development phasing, and site access.

GCE performed preliminary drainage analysis to determine the storm water collection and conveyance requirements as well as the need for storm water detention including, (a) Review FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for the project area to determine the floodplain information within and in the immediate vicinity of the project site, (b) Determine specific floodplain management requirements for the area of the development, (c) Determine the order of magnitude requirements for storm water detention, water quality, and floodplain fill compensation, and (d) Locate appropriate area(s) within the project site for detention ponds and perform schematic design to determine the pond geometry.

GCE coordinated with AQUA in order to provide the water and sewer facility to the tract. AQUA is in the process of installing the water plant at the site and at their cost. The sewer will be connected to the 12” Force main running along FM 3180 also served by AQUA.

Work also included the review of the options available to fulfill utility needs for the development, including alternative analyses of water and sanitary sewer, assessing approximate ranges of water and sewer demand based on the development mix and preparing a report on site water and sewer utilities. Work also comprised of preparing Master Drainage Plan, Master Sanitary Sewer and Master Water plans.

Based on the above studies, GCE also prepared an order-of-magnitude construction cost estimate for the development of infrastructure.