Even if you have never heard the term Context Sensitive Design, there is a good chance that you have driven along a roadway that was created using this approach to transportation design and engineering. Since the term was coined at the FHWA’s Thinking Beyond the Pavement conference in 1998, Context Sensitive Design (CSD) has been adopted by agencies throughout the country and applied to transportation corridors in virtually every state.

Read More

A unique development concept is taking shape on the eastern end of Galveston Island.  The Estates of Grand Beach will feature 10 exclusive beachfront homesites ranging in size from 2 to 4 acres.  Each one of these “legacy lots” will allow for multiple residential structures, creating an opportunity for multi-generational family estates.  RVi has been working closely with the developer and key investors to create an illustrative plan that communicates the vision for the development.

The project is being developed through a partnership between Grand Beach Development and Falcon Group, both based out of Houston.  “We are delivering a unique residential product that has never been introduced to the Gulf Coast before. With the introduction of Estates of Grand Beach, the bar for Galveston and the east end has definitely been raised, once again, with respect to sophistication and quality,” says Richard Anderson of Falcon Group.

RVi paid special attention to the arrangement of the homes in order to maximize views of the seawall area, which will be particularly impressive at night.  While other beachfront areas are subject to erosion, Estates of Grand Beach is located on the only naturally growing beach on Galveston Island, so property owners will actually see the size of their land increase over time. The community will also feature other premier amenities, such as full-time security and a private helipad. The project is expected to break ground in early 2014.

Aerial rendering courtesy of Robin Frye.

CEO and Founding Principal Bob Richardson was recently appointed to the Board of Directors at the Hill Country Conservancy.  During his three-year term, Bob will help to advance the Conservancy’s mission and shape its valued networks.  The Board of Directors encompasses a small group of thought leaders who have proven their ability to shape the world we live in and address key environmental issues facing the Texas Hill Country.

For example, the Hill Country Conservancy recently announced a partnership with Taylor Morrison Homes, developer of the new Reunion Ranch community near Dripping Springs. Each Reunion Ranch homebuyer will donate $100 to the Conservancy at closing, while Taylor-Morrison has agreed to match all contributions. With hundreds of homes in development at Reunion Ranch, this unprecedented agreement will provide the Conservancy with approximately $100,000 in revenue over the next four to eight years. RVi is also proud to be working with Taylor Morrison on the master planning and landscape architecture design for Reunion Ranch.

The Hill Country Conservancy is dedicated to preserving open space in the hill country so that it can be enjoyed by the public and future generations. Part of this mission involves working in partnership with landowners toward responsible, mutually beneficial development of their property.

“I am honored to join the board of the Hill Country Conservancy, and I am really looking forward to working with such a diverse and talented group,” Bob said.