Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza

Dunaway partnered with TBG Partners and BBP to provide civil and structural engineering services for Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, located in Burleson, Texas. Recognized by the NCTCOG with a 2021 CLIDE Award, the revitalized plaza includes a courtyard, public seating, shade pavilions, performance stage, and picnic tables, in addition to a children’s play area with a trolley serving as the backdrop. The Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza design was inspired by the City of Burleson’s rich history and “Old Town” feel. Two train cars from the 1900s make up the focal points of the plaza, while the main trolley is used as the backdrop of the permanent stage and can be used as a hangout room for performers before they hit the spotlight. 

Dunaway’s structural engineers worked with BBP to design the concrete stage, two shade structures, a restroom building, and the canopies that overhang each train car. These canopies provide shade for visitors and protect the refurbished historical trolleys, while also providing support for the train cars. Additionally, our civil engineering team assisted with the demo of an existing parking lot, drainage and grading improvements on Ellison Street, widening of sidewalks, the addition of new ramps with crosswalks, and the design of additional on-street parking to support the redevelopment of Old Town.