In a rapidly growing area of West Houston, Ella Grand is helping to fill a critical housing gap that provides affordable, high-quality homes for seniors in a walkable, amenity-rich neighborhood. Located off of Gessner Road, this four-story development delivers 128 affordable one- and two-bedroom units designed specifically for residents aged 55 and older.
Led by DMA Companies in collaboration with WGI, HEDK Architects, and Blazer Building, Ella Grand reflects a shared goal: to build housing that’s not only cost-accessible, but also thoughtfully designed and built to last.
The Challenge: Urban Constraints, Real Needs
Ella Grand sits on a tight, urban infill site with limited open space and existing infrastructure that needed significant upgrades. Developing in this kind of environment required smart planning, technical know-how, and a proactive approach to coordination with city agencies.
That’s where WGI came in, bringing a full suite of civil engineering services to help make this project work for the site, the city, and most importantly, the people who will live there.
WGI’s Role: Engineering for Efficiency and Longevity
From site planning to permitting to construction support, WGI’s civil team helped solve several core challenges on the path to delivering Ella Grand:
- Space-Efficient Stormwater Management – To manage runoff without sacrificing valuable site area, WGI designed a 125,000-cubic-foot underground detention system, a smart solution for a space-constrained property in a flood-prone region.
- Site Drainage and Utility Design – Our engineers designed and coordinated new drainage systems that tie into existing infrastructure while meeting updated municipal requirements.
- Improved Access and Circulation – Roadway modifications and pedestrian access improvements help ensure the site functions well for residents, service vehicles, and emergency responders, with ADA accessibility integrated throughout.
- Regulatory Coordination – WGI worked directly with local agencies to secure permits, coordinate utilities, and keep the project timeline on track. Our familiarity with city processes helped minimize delays and streamline approvals.
Inside Ella Grand: Comfortable, Connected Living
The apartments at Ella Grand are modern and designed for comfort, featuring energy-efficient appliances, in-unit laundry, and functional layouts. However, it’s the shared spaces that really help build a sense of community, such as:
- Pool and outdoor lounge
- Game and media rooms
- Flexible indoor gathering spaces
Together, these features support both independence and connection, a balance that’s especially important in senior-focused housing.
A Strong Fit for the Neighborhood
Ella Grand is surrounded by local parks, restaurants, and retail all within walking distance. And just a few minutes away, Woodlake Community Park offers wheelchair-accessible green space, shaded walking paths, and picnic areas. It’s a quiet, residential area with easy access to everything seniors need for a healthy, active lifestyle.
Let’s Build Smarter, Together
Ella Grand is a great example of what can happen when a multidisciplinary team takes a grounded, problem-solving approach. The project balances affordability and long-term livability, and WGI is proud to have played a role in making that possible.
We bring the same mindset to every project: understand the site, collaborate closely, and design solutions that work, both for the people using the space and for the teams building it.
At WGI, we partner with developers, architects, and city leaders to move good ideas forward. With integrated design and engineering services, we help turn complex projects into places people can count on. If you’re planning something with community impact, we’d love to be part of the conversation, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
