The Cooper, Robertson & Partners, LLP, Team is charged with producing conceptual plans for alternative long-range visions for the entire Brackenridge Tract. The team will look at the existing use of the site and explore with the Board of Regents the opportunities that changing conditions and an integrated plan approach would provide. Part of any responsible master planning process is gaining an understanding of the values of the client, the community, and the city, as well as of the physical characteristics of the site, its constraints, and its context, all of which will have an impact on the form of the plans. Some of the other master planning considerations and challenges with particular significance for this site are:

• Maximum Benefit – Colonel Brackenridge intended that his gift benefit the University of Texas. Benefits can include those that are financial, programmatic, practical, and symbolic. Maximum benefit is achieved when the desired benefits are combined in such a way as to enhance each and increase the overall value.
• Long-Term Relevance – A plan must have flexibility to address changing circumstances and provide opportunities for future generations to refine or even alter it. But, to endure and continue to secure flexibility, those elements and principles that are integral to the plan must be identified and fixed along with a process for change that maintains the plan intent.
• Phasing Strategy – Parcels related to existing leases, uses, and agreements - along with different time-frames for availability and inconsistencies with natural or physical characteristics of the land - affect contiguity and optimum utilization of the site regardless of intended or preferred use. A phasing strategy is needed that addresses these issues over an extended period of time, while enabling desired improvements to begin in the near term.
• Identity – The visual character and specific design choices for streets, public spaces, and buildings will be based on an understanding of the unique characteristics of the site and areas within the site, as well as relationships to its context. But, at the same time, they express, in physical terms, potentially different visions for the use of the site embodied in the plan alternatives.
• Implementation – The key to implementation is a successful initial stage. This requires establishing priorities, realistically identifying what can be achieved and in what time-frame, and focusing resources to provide a completed environment at the end of the stage. Determining the initial steps and identifying locations within the property where these steps will occur establishes the direction and momentum of the entire plan.

The planning process began in late May 2008 and the goal is to complete the work by June 2009. The first approximately half of the project will focus on understanding the site, an inventory and analysis of its physical characteristics, including environmental and traffic, as well as regulatory, financial, and market analyses. This first phase will also be a period of intensive outreach for input from all interested individuals and groups. Plan and program assumptions, goals, and principles to guide the work on the concept plans will be established from these discussions and analysis before proceeding with that work.

The remaining half of the project will include plan and design studies and the development of alternatives for the layout, uses, density, traffic, and utilities. These will be evaluated based on the established goals and principles, and selected alternatives or combinations of elements from the alternatives will provide the basis for the final concept plans. Each of the final plans will be developed in greater detail and documented. Visual and written materials will be prepared to illustrate the plans and describe their intents.

Public input and involvement are critical to this process. Throughout the entire project, the team will seek input, keep the public apprised of the progress and findings, and be available to answer questions. Please visit the Presentations and Meetings page for a review of public involvement activities.