As part of the senior design capstone project, students in Civil and Environmental Engineering designed a new subdivision on a greenfield site in New Sharon, Iowa.

The City of New Sharon sought assistance with design and engineering for a 15-acre subdivision in their community, working to fulfill their objectives to expand housing availability and attract residents. The subdivision supports local workforce expansion, as many New Sharon residents work in neighboring towns in agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. By increasing housing supply, the project contributes to economic stability and community growth while enhancing local resources and infrastructure. Additionally, the project supports the town’s comprehensive plan, which emphasizes sustainable land use and community development.

The project scope included designing a mixed-housing subdivision that balances single-family and multi-family residences while ensuring efficient land use and accessibility. The design incorporates vital infrastructure elements, including sanitary and storm sewer systems, a reliable water supply network, and a well-structured roadway system. Additional features such as sidewalks, green spaces, and proper stormwater drainage will enhance sustainability and accessibility. To optimize the subdivision layout, multiple design alternatives were evaluated. Two primary street layout configurations were considered: a cul-de-sac design and a grid layout. Housing alternatives were also examined, including a single-family housing model, a multi-family model, and a mixed-housing approach that balances density and diversity. The project team recommended the cul-de-sac alternative, as it’s the best way to handle the long and narrow shape of the site by minimizing the street surface area and maximizing the available space for lots. 

Project deliverables include conceptual engineering drawings, a comprehensive design report with cost estimates, a poster of the design, and a project presentation summarizing key findings and recommendations.