DRMP’s site design and public infrastructure services, namely the stormwater treatment system, were key in the design of Long Beach Lagoon, a $145-million mixed-use waterfront entertainment complex in the City of Panama City Beach, Fla. The City’s Community Redevelopment Agency and private developers used nearly 35-acres of underused land for the complex with the goal to reshape the City’s reputation as a “party town” and appeal to a wider audience.

DRMP’s services included an innovative stormwater system using sustainable underground permeate concrete pavers that allowed design engineers to maximize the land while soaking up rainwater between the pavers and ultimately stored in large underground vault systems. DRMP also provided extensive coordination in wetland permitting with several consultants and agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida to meet regulatory policies.

The team also phased out an existing stormwater pond on the site that could potentially flood neighboring cities, retrofitted an existing lake on the property, and provided signalization and a roundabout to meet the demand of anticipated traffic. Two sustainable timber bridges were included in the design to better facilitate visitors throughout the complex and fit in with the Lagoon’s aesthetic.

DRMP’s design and permitting services supported the City and private developers’ goals of providing a multi-use entertaining complex to be enjoyed by its residents and a variety of visitors and tourists.