Center for Urban and Regional Planning research
Projects
Project Archive
Highway - 83 Corridor Study
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Collaborator: Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
August 2012
Sustainable Choices for the Growing Demand for Housing in Eagle Ford
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Middle Rio Grande Development Council
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
July 2012
Description:
This study investigates current and future housing demands to accommodate the workforce required for the oil and gas industries in six counties located in the western Eagle Ford Shale play (Dimmit, Frio, La Salle, Maverick, Webb, and Zavala counties). To estimate housing demand in the region, different research methods, qualitative and quantitative, primary and secondary, were employed to collect data from a broad spectrum of involved parties and data sets.
A Vision Study for Eagle Pass and Maverick County, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Eagle Pass, Texas
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
April 2012
Description:
The primary purpose of this study is to develop a Vision Plan for the Downtown District in Eagle Pass, Texas that will lead to its redevelopment and revitalization. A second objective is to define the regional context of Maverick County and its relation to Piedras Negras. The Plan also examines how to bring in new businesses and set the stage for a more comprehensive planning effort to restore the downtown district.
A Regional Vision Study for Dimmit & Zavala Counties, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Dimmit and Zavala Counties
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
January 2012
Description:
This Vision Study outlines a possible short and long term strategy to improve the economy, downtown districts, planning, and sustainability of two counties which are adjacent to each other in the South Texas region. Both counties are being highly impacted by the Eagle Ford shale oil and gas production.
Recommendations for Menard, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of Menard Chamber of Commerce
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
January 2012
Description:
Menard, Texas has a rich legacy of cultural resources including the remains of an early Spanish colonial mission with its irrigation system and historic buildings in its Downtown District. The scenic San Saba River runs adjacent to Downtown, but also creates a periodic flooding problem.
Falcon Lake Hotel and Resort Concept Study
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Zapata Economic Development Corporation
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
2011
Description:
This study describes a preliminary concept plan for a hotel and lake front resort development on Falcon Lake in the community of Zapata in Zapata County, Texas. The report also includes an economic base study for Zapata/Zapata County and a destination resort peer analysis.
Preliminary Feasibility Study - A Hotel and Conference Center for Alamo, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Alamo Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
December 2011
Description:
This study is a preliminary capacity analysis of a site in Alamo, Texas on Highway 83 for use as a Hotel and Conference Center. CURPR was commissioned by the Alamo EDC to perform the analysis of the site for market context, access, capacity, and potential feasibility with the ultimate goal of creating a concept vision for a hotel and conference center, theater, and restaurants.
Proposed Uvalde County Research Center
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Uvalde County
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
2011
Description:
A conceptual land use plan was developed for a Research Park for Uvalde County on a 140 acre site. The concept plan included areas for a wildlife research center, solar farm, and a commercial corridor on U.S Highway 90.
Proposed Visitors Complex - Sonora, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Sonora Economic Development Corporation
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
October 2011
Description:
The CURPR and the Sonora Economic Development Corporation worked together to define and develop a vision concept for a visitors center in Sonora, Texas on Highway 277 off of Interstate Highway 10. The visitor center had to accommodate several significant historical buildings on the site.
Proposed Civic Center for the City of Von Ormy, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of Von Ormy, Texas
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
2011
Description:
A preliminary conceptual model and land use plan for a civic center was developed by CURPR for the newly incorporated City of Von Ormy, Texas on a 45 acre site. The plan included space for the city council chamber and offices, a community park and plaza, and a community pavilion for public events.
Port Isabel Downtown District Plan
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of Port Isabel
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
May 2011
Description:
This study presents a vision plan for the downtown district in Port Isabel to assist the community in its continuing revitalization and economic development efforts to become a waterfront resort community. The plan also includes a business/economic assessment and an economic gap analysis to target new investment in the community.
I-35 South Corridor Study: Between San Antonio and Laredo
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
I-35 Coalition
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
August 2011
Description:
The I-35 South Corridor Study outlines a possible long-range strategy to improve the business climate, economy, land use planning, environment and quality of life for residents in the I-35 South Corridor. The corridor is anchored by two major metropolitan areas, Laredo to the south and San Antonio to the north.
A Vision Plan for the Alamo, Texas, Downtown District
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Alamo Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
2010
Description:
The first chapter of the report defines the regional context, history, architecture, and strategic planning efforts undertaken by the community. It also discusses the importance of Main Street architecture and style.
Vision Concept for Downtown Pecos, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Pecos Economic Development Corporation
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
August 2010
Description:
This study is a Vision Plan for the redevelopment of the Pecos, Texas Downtown Business District. The Plan examines how to bring in new businesses and set the stage for a more comprehensive planning effort to restore the downtown district. Specific recommendations include new Main Street initiatives a museum pavilion and plaza, community playhouse, transportation and rodeo museum and improved streetscape.
A 2010 Vision Plan for Encinal, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of Encinal, Texas
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
2010
Description:
The study develops a community vision plan that assists the community in defining a location for a new civic center and help set the stage for additional business and economic growth. Recommendations include a preliminary vision for an expanded city/hall and civic center complex and plaza, and renovation of the historic James Mercantile Building. Also included in the study is a comprehensive community business and economic assessment, and a long-range strategy designed to expand economic and business development in the City.
A Development Strategy for Fourwinds Drive
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Collaborator:
Rural Business Program - Institute for Economic Development
Completed:
2009
Description:
This study explores the redevelopment options for the Fourwinds Drive Corridor in Windcrest, Texas which is anchored by Rackspace to the south. A three dimensional model depicts existing buildings and shows where new infill development can occur. The model was used to study alternative development.
Historic District Survey for the City of Boerne, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of Boerne, Texas
Completed:
2009
Description:
This Historic Resources Survey defined historic properties within the existing Boerne Historic District, made recommendations for expansion of the district and a database system was designed and developed for the historic properties. The historic building inventory system was designed to serve as a point of reference for City departments and the general public.
2008 Vision Plan for Zapata County, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Zapata Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
2008
Description:
The first chapter of the Vision Plan defines the regional context, history and architecture of Zapata County, Texas. This section also discusses the importance of the natural setting and outlines its historical transformation. The second chapter offers recommendations for the future development of Zapata, San Ygnacio, and the County.
Options for the Walzem Corridor
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
2008
Description:
In 2007, the research team was directed to study redevelopment options for the Walzem Road Corridor in Windcrest from Midcrown Drive to IH-35, that would improve the Windcrest tax base and spur economic development. This report presents a summary of that effort.
2007 Community Concept Plan for Poth, Texas
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Poth Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
2007
Description:
The Concept Plan examines options for the future development of the City and the downtown district. The report begins in the first chapter by defining the regional context and history of Poth and guiding principles for the Plan. The second chapter examines options for the future development of the City and downtown district.
2020 Vision for the Union Stockyard District
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
American Planning Association
Completed:
July 2006
Description:
Each year at the American Planning Association (APA) national conference planners from across the nation sign up to lend their expertise for an entire day to assist an under served community in the host city with a planning issue.
Preparation for the community workshop began over a year before the national conference. The APA community workshop project site was chosen in the summer of 2005. Graduate students in planning at the University of Texas at San Antonio spent the fall 2005 semester gathering background information, studying the district around the APA community workshop site, and designing redevelopment schemes for the larger area.
Development of Loop Access Road for the Proposed Windcrest Town Center
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
August 2005
Description:
Vehicular circulation options were analyzed for a large tract of land north of Walzem Road in the City of Windcrest. From the analysis of traffic flow, a loop road was recommended to improve circulation accessibility within the area.
Proposed Town Center for the City of Windcrest
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
Windcrest Economic Development Corporation
Completed:
2005
Description:
This study offers a vision for a Windcrest Town Center, which would be a focal point for community activities. Also examined were the land use pattern, circulation system, and open space network within the City of Windcrest. A retail market analysis was included in the report.
George West Downtown District Study
Type:
Community Development
Project Sponsor:
City of George West & Chamber of Commerce
Completed:
2004
Description:
The George West Downtown District Study was prepared in response to a request for the George West Chamber of Commerce. The charge was to examine the entrance corridors to the downtown district from Highway 281 and Highway 59, and explore the potential for redevelopment in the downtown district.
