BY CHIP MILLS, AICP

As the residential housing market in Texas continues to heat up, many developers are anxious to get homes on the ground and ready for sale within master planned communities.  But before a single road is built, before a single foundation is poured, there are many months of planning and negotiating that have to take place.  The umbrella of entitlements includes many different legal agreements that define the commitments each party is agreeing to in the context of the development – including zoning changes, development agreements, possible variances from existing regulations, and special financing districts.  Each of these entitlements requires close coordination between the development team and the local municipality.  At RVi, we provide assistance to our clients throughout the entitlement process to ensure that all parties are not only satisfied, but are also excited about the future of the project and its positive impact on the community.  Let’s take a look at 3 critical considerations for successful entitlement negotiations.

1. The Project Vision
A successful project begins with the development of a compelling vision.  This exercise combines the tools of creativity, development expertise, and economics to build a strong foundation for project success.  Working in conjunction with a market analyst, the planning and development team crafts a vision that is not only creative, but is also grounded in economic reality. Once the vision has been solidified, it is critical to ensure the entire design team is on the same page with regard to the client’s priorities and the long and short term goals for the project.

Continue Reading & Comment on this article via the RVi Blog ›› 

BY CHRIS PATTERSON, AICP

RVi Houston is excited to announce we are in the beginning stages of design for the amenity center of Taylor Morrison’s newest active-adult community, Bonterra at Cross Creek Ranch.  Located within Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear, this gated village will be specifically designed for seniors aged 55 and up.  The Bonterra community is planned to include approximately 700 single family homes on 268 acres, and will offer plenty of opportunities for those pursuing active lifestyles as well as a peaceful retreat among the natural landscaping and lakes of Cross Creek Ranch.

Continue Reading & Comment on this article via the RVi Blog ››

BY ASHLEY RUST

This past month, RVi Designer Adam Atkins had the pleasure of meeting the students of the Austin Youth River Watch program to share his insight about the profession of Landscape Architecture and how it relates to improving water quality within the Austin area. The Austin Youth River Watch is an after-school program for high school students which combines environmental education with peer mentorship. Students participating in the program collect, analyze, and publish water-quality data from Austin-area streams and rivers that is then reported to local and statewide agencies. Guided by a volunteer board of community leaders, the mission of Austin Youth River Watch is to advance personal and academic achievement through environmental monitoring, education, and adventure.  The group’s success rate speaks for itself: the graduation rate of high school seniors in the River Watch program is nearly 100%!

Continue Reading & Comment on this article via the RVi Blog ››