La Plata Investments retained Matrix to provide planning, engineering, and surveying services for the approximately 1,000-acre Cordera and Briargate Crossing developments in northeastern Colorado Springs, Colorado. The area is part of the larger 9,600-acre Briargate master-planned community that was started over 20 years ago.

Matrix provided La Plata with detailed cost models to help predict infrastructure and in-tract construction costs associated with the development. The cost models included phasing of the project from inception to full buildout to determine the amount of financing required. In addition to cost modeling, Matrix provided extensive infrastructure master planning for the site and in-tract design. Specific projects included a 24-inch water main to a new Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) pump station. The water main featured a new design for a pressure-reducing station that furnished CSU with a blueprint for future pressure-reducing stations citywide. Other efforts included the design of Briargate Parkway, a four-lane arterial roadway with a pedestrian bridge underpass.

To facilitate stormwater management, a Master Development Drainage Plan was prepared and implemented, and an extensive storm sewer system that varies in size up to 72 inches was designed. Three regional detention ponds were included in the master planning to minimize the impacts of large storm events on aging downstream facilities. The ponds were placed on the site to maximize the benefits of stormwater control while minimizing impacts to high-value land areas. As part of newly imposed requirements by the City of Colorado Springs, the ponds provide additional facilities for managing stormwater quality.

Cordera is composed primarily of residential development with a few sections designated for office development. The area includes multiple park sites, an interlinking trail system, and open space corridors. A community park, complete with a pool and meeting areas, has been provided for the neighborhood, and both an elementary school and a middle school will be constructed in the heart of the development. Approximately 1,300 single-family lots have been planned with additional areas for multifamily developments. Matrix prepared development plans and plat submittals for the first two filings totaling 290 acres. In addition, construction documents were completed for local and arterial roadways, wet utilities, stormwater detention and water quality ponds, and grading and erosion control plans. Matrix also provided construction observation services to the developer.

Briargate Crossing is a proposed commercial development along the Powers Boulevard corridor. Matrix provided infrastructure planning in preparation for parcel sales and development.