Keya Wakpala (Turtle Creek Development) Master Plan, Phase I Plan, and Engineering Assessment

With equal emphasis on economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural resilience, this master plan raises hope, along with standards for affordable housing.

There is a great need for affordable, sustainable housing within the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a sovereign Native Nation. With a growing population and a deep interest in regenerative design, the Tribe sought to integrate their history of connection to landscape into a new development project. The Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) took charge of nearly 590 acres of tribally controlled trust lands with the goal of expanding development of tribal assets while also addressing multiple socio-economic issues faced by the local population, including the loss of traditional culture.

As the lead engineering firm on a team led by Blue Star Studio, Biohabitats helped REDCO realize its vision for a mixed-use housing development known as Keya Wakpala (“turtle creek” in the Lakota language). Guided by Lakota principles of mutual respect, self-sufficiency, and family, the master plan aims to create economic opportunity as well as resilient, safe, affordable, and appealing housing. In addition to commercial and community facilities, the plan includes sustainable agriculture, onsite wastewater treatment and protection, and enhancement of habitat within existing wetlands.

Biohabitats performed preliminary studies related to site, water, and ecology, and met with Tribal representatives to gather feedback on the type of infrastructure they envisioned as desirable and appropriate to the place. Alternatives for suitable and sustainable wastewater treatment and stormwater management approaches were evaluated, with preferred options developed to a concept level. The concepts helped REDCO gather community feedback and secure federal funding for the development.

TAGS

• Analysis+Planning
• Resilient Water Systems