In 2015, Abilene Christian University (ACU) initiated a master planned retail and residential development that encompasses over 30,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space, a 140-room upscale hotel development, and a variety of residential housing areas including a 400-unit apartment complex.  Future phases of the project include the development of additional park space and other public outdoor amenities and venues.  eHT was chosen for the project team to lend expertise to the initial master planning process, as well as initial phases of design and construction.  During the planning process, eHT assisted with various zoning changes and coordination with the City of Abilene planning staff.  Throughout the project design and construction phases, eHT provided a variety of services including field survey services, geotechnical and material testing and inspection services, and engineering design services.  More specifically, eHTs services included the following:

• Detailed topographic surveys for design that incorporated aerial and conventional “on-the-ground” survey work;
• Detailed boundary surveys including multiple NSPS/ALTA surveys and subdivision platting;
• Construction layout staking;
• Collection and testing of multiple soil samples at varying depths and complete laboratory analysis of the samples;
• Preparation of Geotechnical Evaluations containing recommendations for a variety of building foundation and pavement design conditions;
• Conformance and construction materials testing to verify compliance with the Contract Document requirements; and,
• Preparation of civil engineering plan sets for each phase of the project to date that include the site demolition plans, detailed three-dimensional site grading and drainage planning including an in-depth downstream drainage assessment, pavement designs and site utility and service connection design and layout.