At a Glance
This important progression in integrated city planning addressed sustainability on many levels.
Project Description
Loosely modeled on San Antonio’s River Walk, Boeye Reservoir was envisioned as a mix of high-end boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, stores and condominiums that would surround a 10-acre central park in which residents could relax, listen to street music, and enjoy a theater production in a planned amphitheater.
The Boeye Reservoir, one of McAllen’s two reservoirs, occupied most of the 67-acre site. Too small for McAllen’s needs and occupying valuable real estate, the reservoir had been targeted for closure. The city planned to build a new reservoir in South McAllen, and construct the park, amphitheater and canals, which would lay the infrastructure for the retail and residential development.
A key member of the integrated master planning team, Biohabitats addressed design issues concerning water, wastewater, and stormwater. Working with the team’s energy consultant, Biohabitats developed methods to use stormwater, wastewater and irrigation water as heat sinks. This greatly improved the project’s overall energy efficiency. One of the major features of the project is a canal, which serves as a recreational resource, stormwater management, and heat sink for building cooling systems.