There’s no denying the positive buzz surrounding Texas right now.  The state is experiencing substantial growth, and major cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Houston consistently rank highly on many lists for job creation, quality of life, business friendliness, and many other positive indicators.  This attractive environment helped Texas weather the recent economic downturn much better than other areas of the country, and has launched a new wave of economic activity as conditions have begun to improve nationwide.  As many developers and consultants look to capitalize on this bright spot, it is important to consider strategies for cultivating success over the long term.

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RVi is excited to begin work on St. Anthony’s Gardens, a new senior living community located in Mandeville, LA. The community is being developed by CRSA, an LCS Company for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and is situated on a wooded 24–acre site.

Phase I of St. Anthony’s Gardens will feature independent living apartments and a health care residence with assisted living and memory care facilities.  RVi is currently working with architect Perkins + Will on the final site plan for the community, which will feature beautiful flower gardens, wooded trails, and multi-use outdoor spaces.  The community will focus on creating a connection with nature, promoting social interaction, and providing a relaxing yet invigorating environment for seniors to call home.  The design will also preserve a significant amount of existing vegetation on the site, which will enhance the natural setting and will also result in less stormwater runoff and more infiltration.  Construction is expected to begin in January 2014.

RVi Vice President Barbara Austin was recognized this month by her alma mater, the Texas A&M University Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences (RPTS).  The department selected Barbara as the recipient of the 2013 Leslie M. Reid Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding alumni who have gone on to achieve professional excellence.

Dr. Gary Ellis, current RPTS Department Head, and Dr. Leslie M. Reid, the Department’s founder, presented the award at the annual RPTS Awards Luncheon.  “Barbara exemplifies a professional whose work will have a tremendous impact on people’s everyday lives well into the future.  The public spaces she has helped create contribute greatly to the sustainability of communities throughout Texas, now and for generations to come,” Dr. Ellis said.

Barbara graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Recreation and Parks in 1976.  She went on to earn a Master of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University in 1986.