Local Green Infrastructure Case Studies
Real-World Low Impact Development in the Houston-Galveston Region
Theory only goes so far; seeing green infrastructure survive and thrive in Houston’s intense Gulf Coast climate is the ultimate proof of concept. The Houston Land/Water Sustainability Forum (HLWSF) has compiled a growing library of local projects that demonstrate how Low Impact Development (LID) can effectively manage stormwater, reduce flood risk, and enhance community aesthetics.
These projects show that sustainable site development is not just environmentally responsible — it is practical, resilient, and economically viable.
Bagby Street Reconstruction
One of the first Greenroads-certified roadway projects in Texas, the Bagby Street Reconstruction serves as a landmark example of urban green infrastructure in action. The corridor integrates extensive rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavers designed to capture and filter stormwater before it reaches Buffalo Bayou.
Performance Highlights:
• Reduced peak runoff volume entering the bayou
• Improved pedestrian experience and streetscape aesthetics
• Long-term maintenance plan aligned with City of Houston standards
Bagby Street demonstrates that dense, urban redevelopment can incorporate functional green infrastructure without sacrificing mobility or commercial viability.
MD Anderson Cancer Center Campus
Within one of the most flood-prone districts in Houston, the MD Anderson Cancer Center campus has implemented large-scale stormwater management systems that combine engineering precision with sustainable design.
Key features include:
- Massive underground cisterns capturing rainfall for irrigation reuse
- Vegetative (green) roof systems reducing heat island effects
- On-site detention capacity designed to withstand Gulf Coast storm intensity
By reducing reliance on municipal water supplies and detaining heavy rainfall events, this project illustrates how institutional campuses can lead by example in climate adaptation.
Exploration Green
Exploration Green is a transformative example of adaptive reuse. A former golf course has been converted into a 200-acre stormwater detention and nature park serving the Clear Lake community.
Impact Highlights:
- Regional detention capacity protecting hundreds of homes
- Successfully prevented flooding during recent hurricane events
- Wildlife habitat restoration and recreational space integration
Exploration Green demonstrates that flood mitigation infrastructure can double as public green space, delivering both safety and community value.
Submit Your Own LID Case Study
Are you an engineer, planner, or developer who has implemented Low Impact Development in the Houston-Galveston region? We welcome submissions that highlight innovative stormwater solutions and measurable performance outcomes.