Smart Phones, Smart Cars ... Smart Squares?

Is this an impressionist version of a NASCAR flag or maybe what Yin Yang looks like after one too many margaritas? Not quite. It is a Quick Response (QR) Code. Wikipedia defines a QR code as " a two-dimensional bar code created by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in 1994 ." QR Codes are common in Japan. When you think of Japan what do you think of next? Manor, Texas, of course.

In addition to hospitality, QR Codes are something Japan and the City of Manor share. In a cost savings effort, Manor implemented QR Codes internally for data management. City staff saw the benefit for sharing information with the same vehicle externally to engage citizens, businesses and tourists as well. Assistant City Manger, Dustin Haisler, and City Manager, Phil Tate, gave me a tour and demonstration Tuesday January 12th. After installing i-ngma on my phone I waved the phone with the camera engaged over the square which directed me to the specific website. This simple square links the person to an organic and more robust data source than available in printed media. The virtue is limitless. A public entity can communicate bond improvement status, cultural marker background material, native vegetation data, next bus stop arrival, etc. In addition to providing information, the entity also can collect data of the visitors. This aspect has the same advantages for private enterprise, an extremely valuable tool for target marketing efforts.

Dustin Haisler has grabbed the attention of the white house and folks from Italy to Brazil. It is wonderful to have his innovative bright mind in our region. I hope to be a part of implementing the QR Codes along some of our State's trails and greenways to better disseminate the virtues of watershed protection and connectivity.

I downloaded the viewer for my Samsung Blackjack at http://www.i-nigma.mobi. Go to http://www.block5.com/iphone for the iphone.

- Sallie Burchett, BWM Group

University of Texas makes the top 10 of Architecture Schools

"Love ‘em or hate ‘em, school rankings are influencing prospective students’ decisions on where to apply, and architecture firms’ decisions on whom to employ. RECORD looks at this year’s survey and asks people in academia and the profession what it all means."

Hook em'

A look at why Cedar Park is more eventful

The Austin Business Journal recognized two of BWM Group's commercial projects at the Williamson County Growth Summit. The Cedar Park Event's Center holds up to 9,000 persons and will generate up to $200,000 in sales tax.


The 1890 Ranch shopping center is not just another retail center. In addition to generating payroll in excess of $10 million, BWM designed a great place. Visitors can splash in the sundial while waiting for their movie to start and park their car in one of many shaded spots from the existing oak trees saved.

New park for Pflugerville

Lake Pflugerville Park lands on the front page of the Statesman Metro Section this weekend. BWM developed the master plan and design for the City of Pflugerville. Working with HDR engineering, the team developed a loop trail around the City’s new regional storm water lake. This trail was a crucial component to the city-wide trail system by connecting the newly developed residences around this lake to the rest of the community by linking the loop trail to the City’s existing network of trails. Through a multitude of stakeholder meetings, BWM was able to span residential surface drainage and develop a congruous and durable trail system that was pleasing to the eye, accessible to all and an asset to the cities entire trail system. Photo by Deborah Cannon.

Contractor of the Year Award

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awarded T.A. Todd Construction the Contractor of the Year Award for the Georgetown residential remodel designed by David Rothenberg.

Notice how the remodel adds a new 300 square foot sunny family room by moving the mechanical equipment to the attic and consolidating the corridor spaces to the center.

The Georgetown town home was a part of the NARI tour of homes on October 24th and 25th.

Texas Tubing at Zedler Mills

Luling Texas has just purchased a 38 acre parcel of land immediately south of their historic Zedler Mill site. Luling purchased the property to serve as an open space for play. The site will also serve as a put in and take out for a short float down the San Marcos River through the park or part of a larger ride on the official Texas Paddling Trail. Tim Bargainer, Brandon Hay, and Sallie Burchett will be presenting the draft master plan of the site to the Zedler Mills committee this evening. The plan ties the open space park and historic site together and also links them to the adjacent Southside Park and other community spaces.

Let's get started already - in downtown New Braunfels

In hopes that the downtown New Braunfels master plan does more than sit on the shelf, resident Sofia Baltadano de Wilbert said it best. “Let’s get started already. There are so many things that we can improve.” Torti Gallas, Capital Market Research, TND Engineering and BWM Group are pleased to have drafted the plan and hope to see it implemented as well. The picture above shows the current pedestrian environment that links their charming downtown square to the beautiful Comal River. Guess which phase we suggest for the W. San Antonio Street pedestrian improvements? Read the full article about the community's response here.