Superfund Site Redevelopment 04

Collaborative competition entry Fall 2021

Houston, TX

By: Stuti Mehta, Mark Lichtenberger, Jackie Aguilar, Nikola Kolarov

Awarded Rice University’s Greene Prize for 2021-222

Located in the diverse neighborhood of Westchase, near the major Houston thoroughfares of Sam Houston and Westpark Tollway, the Crystal Chemical Co. Superfund Site presents remarkable potential as a vibrant new center of cultural and economic activity for the City of Houston. Our proposal addresses over 31 acres of previously contaminated land with two large developments: the Event Center and the Community Wetland Park. All aspects of the development plan seek to provide a long-lasting and environmentally conscious infrastructure for the continued economic and cultural development of Westchase.

Background:

In 1979, Crystal Chemical Co. opened its doors in Houston, Texas (more specifically, Westchase) to manufacture herbicides containing arsenic, phenolic, and amine. The company was eventually forced to shut down and declared bankruptcy in 1981, facing multiple civil penalty violations of the state’s environmental standards. Although production stopped, the damage accumulated from the three years of substantial manufacturing left toxic levels of hazardous substances in the surrounding soil and drinking groundwater.

Environment:

A major environmental goal of the 3502 Rogerdale Rd. Redevelopment Proposal is to restore natural landscape conditions to approximately 19 acres of previously contaminated land. The addition of this wetland refuge will bring a variety of ecological benefits to the region by alleviating flood damage, purifying standing water, offsetting carbon emissions, and restoring habitat to threatened Houstonian animal species. The style of the park and what it accomplishes for human users and wildlife alike were of primary concern.

Economy:

Through the creation of premier event spaces and adjacent outdoor venues, our redevelopment proposal brings a variety of economic opportunities to the Westchase neighborhood. Despite a high local population and proximity to a major transportation network, the area surrounding our proposed development currently lacks any private or publicly managed event spaces. The Event Center responds to an apparent demand and presents a long-term revenue stream through event space rentals. Additionally, the creation of a new event space provides major economic possibilities to the nearby transportation, food, and hospitality industries.

Timeline:

1979: Crystal Chemical Co. purchases the property from Union Pacific Railroad Company

1981: Crystal Chemical Co. files for bankruptcy.

1983: The EPA declares the Crystal Chemical Co. property as a National Priority List (NPL) site.

1988: Sam Houston Tollway opens for business.

1989: Housing units in the Westchase area grow exponentially.

1992: Cleanup efforts were launched.

1995: Slurry wall construction finishes.

2000: First five-year inspection.

2017: Site is reviewed and in compliance with remedial action objectives.