Site Development Solutions

Mighty Wash
Waco, TX

Project Overview

Mighty Wash is a 1.42-acre development located along Valley Mills Drive in Beverly Hills, Texas. The project included the demolition of existing pavement and structures to make way for a new single-tunnel automated car wash with 23 self-service vacuum stations. Str8Grade Engineering provided comprehensive site design and civil infrastructure planning, including driveways, parking, water and wastewater services, and grading, to ensure a safe and efficient layout that would support the long-term success of the development.
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The Challenge

Designing a modern car wash facility in a dense commercial corridor required careful navigation of site and regulatory challenges:

  • Demolition and Redevelopment: Clearing existing pavement and structures to prepare the site for redevelopment.
  • Site Grading: Designing drainage solutions for a flat property with clay soils to ensure stability and performance.
  • Traffic Circulation: Creating a safe and efficient layout for vehicles moving through the wash tunnel, driveways, and vacuum stations.
  • Utility Coordination: Designing and permitting public water and wastewater infrastructure with the City of Waco.
  • TxDOT Driveway Requirements: Meeting TxDOT’s design standards and securing approvals for driveway access along Valley Mills Drive.
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The Solution

Str8Grade Engineering developed a tailored site plan that balanced operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term functionality. Key elements included:

  • Efficient Layout: Designing circulation patterns that maximized throughput in the wash tunnel while providing safe, convenient access to the 23 vacuum stations.
  • Drainage Design: Implementing surface drainage solutions that performed effectively on a flat site with clay soils, avoiding the need for underground storm sewer systems.
  • Utility Planning: Coordinating with the City of Waco for the design, permitting, and approval of public water and wastewater connections to meet the facility’s high-volume demand.
  • TxDOT Coordination: Designing and permitting driveways to meet TxDOT requirements for access along Valley Mills Drive, including coordination and approvals through the agency.
  • Redevelopment Strategy: Overseeing demolition, grading, and reconstruction efforts to transition the property into a fully functional commercial site.
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The Outcome

The Mighty Wash on Valley Mills Drive opened as a fully functional, customer-focused car wash destination. The project delivered:

  • A modern single-tunnel automated car wash supported by 23 self-service vacuum stations.
  • TxDOT-approved driveway access along Valley Mills Drive that ensures safe traffic movement.
  • A dependable public water and wastewater system designed, permitted, and approved through the City of Waco.
  • Efficient site circulation and parking that improves both customer experience and operational performance.
  • A drainage system that manages runoff effectively and protects both the site and surrounding properties.
  • A high-quality redevelopment that enhances the Valley Mills Drive commercial corridor.

Our Solution

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1

Strategic Grading & Site Layout

We used advanced site modeling tools to optimize every square foot of the property. The grading plan was designed to gently slope water toward custom inlets without altering the natural flow across neighboring lots. Despite tight constraints, we preserved full functionality for tunnel access, vacuum bays, stacking lanes, and turning space.
2

Subsurface Drainage & Water Quality Design

To manage stormwater without adding surface detention, we engineered a below-grade stormwater detention system beneath the parking area. This was paired with trench drains and oil/grit separators to prevent runoff pollution and meet TCEQ water quality standards.
3

Urban Utility Coordination

We conducted a complete underground utility survey to identify and avoid conflicts with old water, gas, and telecom lines. Where upgrades were required, we designed new water and sewer connections to meet flow rate and pressure requirements, while integrating backflow prevention and protection from traffic loads.
4

Traffic Flow & Access Planning

We designed the internal circulation system to maximize customer throughput while minimizing risk of traffic congestion on Valley Mills Drive. Access points were engineered for safe turning movements, and on-site stacking prevented queue overflow during peak wash hours.
5

Sustainability & Community Integration

To address public expectations and minimize operational impact, we helped integrate a closed-loop water reclaim system that drastically reduced freshwater demand. Additionally, we developed a landscaping buffer, fencing, and photometric lighting plan to maintain a clean, quiet, and low-glare environment for neighboring businesses.
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Conclusion

The Mighty Wash project showcases Str8Grade Engineering’s ability to coordinate complex redevelopment efforts while managing regulatory requirements across multiple agencies. By delivering effective site design, drainage solutions, TxDOT driveway approvals, and City of Waco utility permitting, Str8Grade ensured the project was completed efficiently, compliantly, and with long-term value in mind. This project reflects our commitment to practical, client-focused solutions that transform vision into reality.

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Engineering Efficiency, From Start to Finish

At Str8Grade Engineering, we design smarter site solutions that keep high-traffic projects like Mighty Wash running smoothly. From driveways to drainage, our focus is on efficiency, compliance, and long-term performance.

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Garrett Haley

Wheelhouse Development

Str8Grade Engineering has done a great job on many projects over multiple years for our development company. From navigating municipal approvals to keeping our clients' design needs in mind, Nathan Fuller and his team are always highly responsive, provide professional civil engineering work, and produce quality plans. Their knowledge of engineering and design options is exceptionally impressive.

Oscar Galan

Classic Design Group

Working with Str8Grade Engineering has been an excellent experience. Nathan Fuller and his team brings expertise, clear communication, and a true commitment to quality, making every project smoother and more successful.

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What Makes Str8Grade Different?

What Makes Str8Grade Different?

Our designs do more than solve today’s challenges, they prepare communities and businesses for tomorrow. By balancing practical solutions with forward-thinking strategies, we deliver projects that are sustainable, resilient, and capable of supporting growth long into the future.

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