Project Location:

110 Gurley Lane, South Waco
Near Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706

Project Overview

Merritt Engineering Services provided comprehensive civil engineering design services for the Gurley Lane Development, a premier 70-bed student housing community strategically located in the Baylor University area of Waco, Texas. This thoughtfully designed multifamily development serves the growing demand for quality off-campus student housing in the Waco market, offering modern amenities and convenient access to Baylor's campus.

The development consists of seven thoughtfully planned buildings, each containing two residential units with five bedrooms per unit, creating a total capacity of 70 students. Our civil engineering team delivered complete site development services, from initial conceptual design through final construction documentation, ensuring the project met all regulatory requirements while maximizing functionality and aesthetic appeal for student residents.

Engineering Services Provided

Site Design & Planning

Our civil engineering team developed comprehensive site plans for the Gurley Lane student housing development, optimizing building placement, circulation patterns, parking layouts, and outdoor amenity spaces to create a functional and attractive living environment for Baylor University students. The site design balanced density requirements with quality-of-life considerations, ensuring adequate parking, pedestrian connectivity, and recreational areas.

Design Components:

• Existing conditions survey and analysis

• Proposed site layout and grading plans

• Dimension control plans for contractor coordination

• Building pad elevations and foundation support

• Vehicular circulation and parking design (70+ spaces required)

• Pedestrian walkways and accessibility features

• Outdoor amenity space planning

• Landscape coordination with architectural design

Erosion Control & Environmental Compliance

Given the site's proximity to residential neighborhoods and the importance of environmental stewardship in the Waco community, our team developed comprehensive erosion and sediment control strategies to protect adjacent properties and local waterways during construction. All erosion control measures were designed to comply with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and City of Waco construction standards.

Erosion Control Measures:

• Temporary erosion control plan (SWPPP requirements)

• Silt fence and sediment barrier placement

• Construction entrance stabilization

• Phased grading approach to minimize exposed soil

• Permanent erosion control and landscaping

• TCEQ NOI (Notice of Intent) coordination

• Construction phase inspection protocols

Site Utilities Design

Merritt Engineering designed complete utility infrastructure to serve all seven buildings in the Gurley Lane student housing development, ensuring reliable water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, electrical, and communication services for up to 70 residents. Our utility design coordinated with existing City of Waco infrastructure while accommodating future expansion potential.

Utility Systems Designed:

• Water Distribution: Domestic water mains, fire hydrants, building service connections, pressure analysis

• Sanitary Sewer: Gravity sewer mains, building laterals, manhole structures, capacity calculations for peak student occupancy

• Storm Drainage: Catch basins, storm sewer pipes, outfall structures, detention/retention facilities

• Dry Utilities Coordination: Electrical service routing, fiber optic/cable TV pathways, gas line coordination

• Utility Conflict Resolution: Coordination with existing utilities including City of Waco and Atmos Energy

Drainage Studies & Stormwater Management

Recognizing the critical importance of proper stormwater management in Waco's flood-prone areas, our civil engineering team conducted extensive hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to ensure the Gurley Lane Development would not adversely impact surrounding properties or overtax municipal drainage infrastructure.

Pre-Development Drainage Analysis:

• Existing watershed delineation and flow patterns

• Pre-development runoff calculations

• Identification of existing drainage issues

• Downstream receiving system capacity evaluation

• Historic flooding assessment

Post-Development Drainage Design:

• Post-development runoff modeling (accounting for increased impervious surface)

• Stormwater detention/retention facility design

• Water quality best management practices (BMPs)

• On-site drainage conveyance system

• Compliance with City of Waco detention requirements

• Design storm analysis (2-year, 10-year, 25-year, 100-year events)

Downstream Stormwater Impact Analysis

Our team conducted a comprehensive downstream analysis to evaluate how the proposed student housing development would affect existing drainage systems and neighboring properties. This analysis ensured the project would be a responsible addition to the Gurley Lane neighborhood and South Waco community.

Analysis Components:

• Downstream drainage pathway mapping

• Existing system capacity assessment

• Cumulative runoff impact modeling

• Peak flow attenuation design

• Velocity control measures

• Erosion potential evaluation

Comprehensive Flood Study

Given Waco's history with flood events and the protection of student residents being paramount, Merritt Engineering coordinated with reknown floodplain professionals to perform a detailed flood study to assess potential inundation risks and ensure the development would be resilient against flood hazards.

Flood Study Elements:

• FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) review

• Floodplain determination and base flood elevation analysis

• 100-year and 500-year flood zone assessment

• Freeboard requirements for habitable structures

• Lowest floor elevation design above base flood elevation

• Floodproofing recommendations (if applicable)

• Flood insurance considerations for property owners/residents

• Coordination with City of Waco floodplain administrator

Architectural Collaboration

Merritt Engineering worked closely with Jason McDaniel from McDaniel Artworks on the architectural and aesthetic aspects of the Gurley Lane Development. This collaborative approach ensured seamless integration between civil engineering infrastructure and architectural vision, resulting in a student housing community that is both functionally sound and visually appealing.

Project Benefits for Waco & Baylor University

✓ Student Housing Supply: 

Adds 70 beds to Waco's off-campus housing inventory, supporting Baylor University's enrollment growth

✓ Economic Development: 

Creates construction jobs, ongoing property management positions, and tax revenue for the City of Waco

✓ Neighborhood Investment: 

Improves an underdeveloped site in South Waco with quality infrastructure and modern housing

✓ Stormwater Management:

 Implements modern detention and water quality features, improving drainage compared to pre-development conditions

✓ Infrastructure Investment: 

New water, sewer, and drainage systems built to current standards, benefiting surrounding area

✓ Safe Housing: 

Flood-protected, code-compliant student housing with reliable utilities and emergency access

Frequently Asked Questions

What civil engineering services are required for student housing development in Waco?

Student housing developments in Waco require comprehensive site design including grading and drainage plans, utility infrastructure design (water, sewer, storm drainage), stormwater management with detention, erosion control plans, and often flood studies due to Waco's proximity to the Brazos River and local flood hazards. Projects must comply with City of Waco development standards, TCEQ requirements, and floodplain regulations.

How do parking requirements work for student housing in Waco?

City of Waco zoning typically requires 1 parking spaces per bedroom for student housing, though requirements vary by zoning district. The Gurley Lane Development with 70 bedrooms required approximately 70 parking spaces. Parking design must also include proper circulation, and stormwater management for parking lot runoff.

What makes a site suitable for student housing near Baylor University?

Ideal student housing sites near Baylor University should be within 1-2 miles of campus (walkable or short bike/bus ride), have adequate City of Waco utility capacity (water, sewer), be outside high-risk flood zones or allow for flood-proofing, and have sufficient lot size to accommodate density, parking, and amenity requirements while meeting setbacks and buffers.

Why is flood analysis important for student housing in Waco, Texas?

Waco has a history of significant flooding events related to the Brazos River and local drainage. Student housing must protect residents by elevating habitable spaces above base flood elevations, providing emergency egress routes, and designing stormwater systems for extreme events. Proper flood analysis ensures resident safety and protects property owner investment.

How long does site development design take for a student housing project?

Timeline varies based on project complexity, but typical student housing site design requires 2-4 months for preliminary design, 2-3 months for final construction documents, and 1-3 months for city plan review and approval. The Gurley Lane Development required comprehensive flood and drainage studies which extended the design timeline to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements were met.

What are the benefits of purpose-built student housing vs. converting existing properties?

Purpose-built student housing like Gurley Lane Development offers modern floor plans designed for student living (individual bedrooms, shared common areas), dedicated parking, amenities students desire, utilities sized appropriately for occupancy patterns, and compliance with current building codes and safety standards. Civil engineering for new construction allows optimization of site layout, drainage, and infrastructure rather than retrofitting existing systems.

Does Merritt Engineering work with student housing developers and investors?

Yes, Merritt Engineering Services has experience designing student housing developments in the Waco and Central Texas area, including properties near Baylor University. We understand the unique requirements of student housing (higher occupancy density, parking demands, common area design) and work with developers, investors, and property management companies to deliver projects that meet market expectations and regulatory requirements.

Student Housing Development Services in Waco, Texas

Merritt Engineering Services provides comprehensive civil engineering services for student housing and multifamily residential developments throughout Waco, McLennan County, and Central Texas. Our team understands the unique challenges of developing housing near Baylor University and other Texas universities.

Our Student Housing Expertise Includes:

Site Development & Planning:

• Site feasibility analysis and due diligence

• Density and parking analysis

• Conceptual site layout and master planning

• Building pad design and grading

• Pedestrian and vehicular circulation

Civil Engineering Design:

• Complete site plan development

• Grading, drainage, and erosion control

• Water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain design

• Utility capacity analysis and coordination

• Stormwater detention and water quality BMPs

Regulatory Services:

• City of Waco development permitting

• TCEQ erosion control (SWPPP) preparation

• Floodplain analysis and FEMA coordination

• Zoning and subdivision compliance

Construction Support:

• Construction document preparation

• Bid phase support

• Construction administration

• Site inspection and observation

Contact Our Waco Student Housing Engineering Team

Planning a student housing development near Baylor University or anywhere in Central Texas? Merritt Engineering Services can help you navigate the site development process from feasibility through construction completion.