Smart Design, Smooth Flow

Mighty Wash
Robinson, Texas

Project Overview

Mighty Wash expanded its footprint in Central Texas with a new 1.7-acre single-tunnel car wash development along Robinson Drive in Robinson, Texas. The project required demolition of existing pavement and structures, followed by a full site design that included a modern automated wash tunnel, 19 self-service vacuum stations, and the civil infrastructure needed to support daily operations. Str8Grade Engineering provided site layout, utility design, grading, drainage, and permitting services to bring this high-volume car wash to life.
16-web-or-mls-415-robinson-dr-mighty-wash-28

The Challenge

The Robinson Drive site presented unique constraints that required careful engineering and coordination to ensure the project could move forward successfully. Key challenges included:

  • Grading and Drainage: Designing a stormwater system within a tight site surrounded by existing development while protecting the adjacent residential neighborhood from adverse impacts.
  • Redevelopment: Demolishing existing pavement and structures and preparing the site for a full redevelopment into a modern car wash facility.
  • Traffic Circulation: Creating a layout that allowed safe, efficient vehicle flow through the tunnel and 19 vacuum stations while minimizing congestion.
  • Utility Infrastructure: Designing and permitting public water and wastewater systems capable of meeting the car wash’s high-volume demands.
  • Regulatory Coordination: Securing City of Robinson approvals for utilities and TxDOT approvals for driveway access along Robinson Drive.
16-web-or-mls-415-robinson-dr-mighty-wash-28

The Solution

Str8Grade Engineering developed a site plan that balanced operational efficiency, drainage performance, and regulatory compliance. Key elements included:

  • Grading and Drainage Design: Engineered a drainage system that managed stormwater within the site’s limited space while ensuring no adverse impacts to the surrounding residential neighborhood.
  • Efficient Site Layout: Created circulation patterns that maximized site use, streamlined customer flow into the tunnel, and provided safe access to the 19 vacuum stations.
  • Utility Infrastructure: Coordinated with the City of Robinson to design, permit, and approve water and wastewater systems that could handle the operational demands of the facility.
  • TxDOT Driveway Coordination: Designed and permitted driveway access that met TxDOT standards, providing safe and compliant connections along Robinson Drive.
  • Redevelopment Support: Oversaw demolition, grading, and construction to seamlessly transition the property into a modern, high-performing car wash.
12-web-or-mls-415-robinson-dr-mighty-wash-28

The Outcome

The Mighty Wash Car Wash in Robinson opened as a fully functional, customer-friendly facility designed to serve the community and withstand heavy use. The project delivered:

  • A grading and drainage system that effectively managed runoff and protected the adjacent residential neighborhood from adverse impacts.
  • A modern automated car wash tunnel supported by 19 self-service vacuum stations.
  • Safe and TxDOT-approved driveway access designed for high-traffic use.
  • A reliable public water and wastewater system permitted and approved through the City of Robinson.
  • A redevelopment that transformed a challenging site into a high-quality commercial project that enhanced the Robinson Drive corridor.

Our Solution

Contact Us
1

Elevation & Site Grading

We began with a full topographic and geotechnical survey to understand the lay of the land. Even though the site was flat, we engineered subtle grading and elevation changes to ensure proper surface drainage while keeping the site ADA-accessible and vehicle-friendly.
2

Drainage & Stormwater Management

Mighty Wash’s proximity to residential areas made responsible stormwater handling a must. We designed a robust drainage plan featuring trench drains, underground detention tanks, and sediment/oil separators. These elements reduced runoff volume and improved water quality before release.
3

Water Recycling & Environmental Engineering

We collaborated with the Mighty Wash team to integrate a closed-loop water recycling system that significantly reduced fresh water consumption—something that went a long way with both city officials and the local community. All engineering designs complied with TCEQ and city environmental standards.
4

Traffic Flow & Access Design

Using advanced traffic modeling tools, we designed vehicle stacking lanes that maximized throughput while preventing spillback onto Robinson Drive. Our layout accommodated pay stations, bypass lanes, vacuum stations, and emergency access—optimized for both function and code compliance.
5

Community Engagement & Aesthetic Planning

Understanding the importance of public perception, we supported the project through zoning hearings and design reviews. We proposed low-impact landscaping, fencing, lighting plans, and visual buffers to reduce noise and improve curb appeal—making sure neighbors stayed on board.
6

Utility Coordination

We engineered water, sewer, electric, and communication tie-ins with growth and redundancy in mind. Larger water lines and sewer service were sized for future expansion and filtered through protective barriers to guard against corrosion or floodplain intrusion.
12-web-or-mls-415-robinson-dr-mighty-wash-28
Conclusion

The Mighty Wash Robinson project highlights Str8Grade Engineering’s ability to take on complex redevelopment efforts, coordinate with multiple agencies, and deliver results that meet both regulatory and operational requirements. By providing site design, drainage planning, TxDOT driveway approvals, and City of Robinson permitting, Str8Grade delivered a compliant, efficient, and community-friendly project.

Get In Touch

Smarter Design, Stronger Results

Str8Grade Engineering is your partner for site development projects that demand efficiency, compliance, and long-term value. Contact us today to learn how our expertise can support your next development from concept to completion.

Engineering That Works For You

Our Client’s Success is Our Measure of Excellence

Contact Us
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.

Testimonials

Request a Consultation

Contact our team of excellence-driven experts today to bring your project to life.

What Makes Str8Grade Different?

What Makes Str8Grade Different?

At Str8Grade, we understand that redevelopment projects demand more than standard engineering solutions. They require practical designs, agency coordination, and an understanding of how to balance client goals with regulatory requirements. For Mighty Wash Robinson, we rose to the challenge by streamlining approvals, solving drainage constraints, and ensuring the site functioned exactly as intended. Our approach is built on responsiveness, precision, and a commitment to delivering value for both our clients and the communities they serve.

Contact Us