Nestled in the heart of Waller County, just 20 minutes from Katy and less than an hour from downtown Houston, the Bluestem master-planned community is poised to become a vibrant new residential destination. Developed by The Signorelli Company, one of Texas’ largest private real estate developers, Bluestem spans over 350 acres in Brookshire, TX. Bluestem will bring more than 1,300 homes to the area, offering a wide range of housing types and price points to meet the needs of a growing population. Homebuilders include First America Homes, Legend Homes and CastleRock Communities, with home prices ranging from $219,000 to $346,000 and sizes between 1,300 and 2,700 square feet. This variety ensures accessibility for first-time buyers, growing families and those seeking long-term investment in a thoughtfully planned community.
Bluestem arrives at a time of rapid growth in the region. The community is zoned to the expanding Royal ISD and offers easy access to major roadways like Grand Parkway, I-10 and Highway 90, placing residents near top destinations like Katy Mills Mall, Typhoon Texas and HEB. Named after the native prairie grasses that are known to the region, Bluestem blends thoughtful design with natural beauty to create a community rooted in place and purpose.
As the Land Planner, Landscape Architect, Surveyor and Civil Engineer for this project, EHRA Engineering has been instrumental in shaping Bluestem from concept to construction. EHRA’s multidisciplinary expertise has guided the creation of a cohesive master plan that balances infrastructure, aesthetics and livability. One of EHRA’s early and critical achievements was drafting and securing approval for the Developer Agreement with Waller County, approved on October 19, 2022. This agreement laid the groundwork for the project’s long-term success and compliance with county standards. EHRA conducted traffic and drainage impact analyses to address mobility and stormwater concerns, and designed improvements to Wilson Road, a key access point to the community. Furthermore, EHRA developed the amenities plan, which features pocket parks every ¼ mile, playgrounds, pickleball courts, a pavilion and scenic walking trails, all designed to foster connection and outdoor activity. EHRA’s comprehensive involvement ensures that Bluestem is not only functional and compliant but also forward-thinking and community oriented.
As the Land Planner on the project, I have found working on Bluestem to be an incredibly rewarding experience. From developing the master plan to securing plat approvals from Waller County, it has been exciting to help shape a community from the ground up. These approvals are critical, enabling the engineering team to begin their plans and move the project toward construction. One of the unique and enjoyable aspects of land planning is laying out the street network and suggesting street names. Seeing those designs come to life, built to scale and experienced in a real-world setting, is a surreal and fulfilling experience. It’s amazing to walk through a neighborhood and realize that the layout we envisioned on paper is now a place where people will live, connect and build their lives.
Throughout this process, collaboration has been key. Elaine Stremlau, the Assistant Project Manager and Lead Engineer on Bluestem, has been an exceptional partner in bringing this vision to life. She has demonstrated remarkable professionalism, attention to detail and a proactive approach. Her clear and concise communication with review committees has been instrumental in navigating utility coordination and addressing plat-related comments, helping move our plans through the approval process efficiently. Her contributions have made a complex process feel seamless and have been invaluable in advancing Bluestem from vision to reality.
The Bluestem project exemplifies how strategic planning, innovative engineering and a commitment to community can come together to create a thriving, livable neighborhood. EHRA’s leadership and technical expertise have been vital in transforming this vision into a reality that will serve as a benchmark for future development in Waller County and beyond.