As cities across the country grapple with housing challenges, the need for solutions that combine thoughtful design with a clear social mission has never been greater. Burnet Place project in Austin, Texas, stands as a model of what happens when design excellence, inclusive development, and technical expertise work in unison. WGI is honored to have delivered Civil and MEP Engineering services for this award-winning development, helping bring a deeply meaningful vision to life.

A Mission-Driven Development

Developed by Project Transitions, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Central Texans living with HIV, Burnet Place was conceived as far more than typical affordable housing. It is a supportive residential community designed to promote healing, foster independence, and sustain long-term stability for residents at risk of homelessness.

Located in Austin’s Brentwood neighborhood, the three-story, 61-unit property features one-bedroom apartments arranged around shared spaces that encourage connection. A central courtyard with gardens, flexible seating for individuals and groups, and a lawn for community events all reinforce a dignified, people-centered environment. Trauma-informed design and on-site supportive services ensure daily life is stable, respectful, and restorative.

WGI’s Role: Engineering for People and Purpose

WGI served as a trusted partner from site to systems, aligning technical execution with the project’s mission and long-term performance.

Civil Engineering Contributions

Our civil team shaped the site for durability, safety, and ease of operation. The scope included demolition of the existing structure, design of new water and wastewater utilities, and comprehensive paving, grading, and drainage. We collaborated closely with the City of Austin to secure site development permit approval while navigating a complex regulatory pathway on behalf of the client.

Unique site constraints required inventive stormwater strategies. With limited grade change and no underground storm infrastructure along Brockman Street, our team designed a full infiltration rain garden that treats runoff from the eastern portion of the site and routes flows around the building toward Burnet Road. A second full filtration rain garden strengthens overall water quality and resilience, advancing environmental performance without compromising the resident experience.

MEP Engineering Services

WGI’s MEP team designed building systems that elevate sustainability, comfort, and reliability while controlling operating costs. Our scope included:

• High-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems to reduce energy consumption and improve the indoor environment.
• Instantaneous water heaters provide on-demand hot water without bulky storage tanks, which maximizes space and enhances performance.
• Systems integration is designed for livability and ease of maintenance so the building supports long-term housing stability for residents who deserve reliable, dignified homes.

These systems were selected and designed with the residents in mind, many of whom are at risk of or have experienced homelessness. The result is a building that not only performs well but supports quality of life through thoughtful, people-centered engineering.

Celebrating Award-Winning Impact

Burnet Place was designed by our partners at the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, whose exceptional work earned a 2025 Texas Society of Architects Annual Design Award. Selected from more than 300 statewide submissions, it is one of 19 honored projects and will be featured in the Awards and Expo issue of Texas Architect magazine. The recognition reflects a dual achievement: architectural excellence paired with measurable social impact.

WGI is proud to have contributed to a project that reflects what’s possible when visionary nonprofits, skilled designers, and experienced engineers come together to serve a greater purpose.

Building a More Inclusive Future

Burnet Place demonstrates how mission-driven leadership, thoughtful design, and precise engineering can work together to meet critical housing needs. It is a clear example of what is possible when nonprofits, designers, and engineers align around the goal of empowering vulnerable populations through the built environment.

Partner with WGI to Build What Matters

At WGI, we believe engineering should serve people first. Whether you are delivering supportive housing, enhancing public infrastructure, or reimagining community spaces, our teams bring the technical depth and collaborative mindset required to create places that perform and endure.

Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your next mission-driven project and help you deliver lasting impact.