In the heart of Corpus Christi’s Sports, Entertainment, and Arts (S.E.A.) District, a 170-foot diameter architectural water feature—originally built in the late 1980s—had reached the end of its life. Years of wear and tear, compounded by hurricane damage, left the system struggling with chronic leaks, deteriorated piping, outdated pumping equipment, inefficient hydraulics, and obsolete controls. The City of Corpus Christi sought more than a repair; they needed a partner capable of reimagining, engineering, and rebuilding the feature into a civic landmark that could withstand both daily operation and the harsh realities of a hurricane-prone Gulf Coast environment.
A True Design-Build Collaboration
GPSI served as investigator, designer, and builder, partnering closely with a local general contractor in a fully integrated design-build approach. The project began with an in-depth investigative phase, during which GPSI’s Design Studio and Construction Division worked side by side to uncover hidden infrastructure, identify risks, and develop creative yet practical solutions. GPSI guided the City through multiple rounds of design and cost iteration—balancing vision, feasibility, and budget—to ultimately deliver a $4 million renovation plan that modernized every aspect of the feature while preserving its original civic prominence.
Engineering for Resilience and Performance
The reimagined water feature was designed for both performance and durability. A new MEP layout and strategic relocation of equipment mitigated flood risk and improved long-term resilience. The hydraulic system was overhauled to deliver nearly 16,000 gallons per minute across the 170-foot cascade, ensuring consistent water quality and dynamic movement. Failing original piping was replaced with a robust HDPE network, providing decades of reliability even under demanding conditions. To reduce downtime and simplify maintenance, GPSI transitioned the system to multiple smaller pumps—enhancing operational flexibility and redundancy.
Modern Controls and Artistic Expression
Marrying technical excellence with visual artistry, GPSI integrated modern PLC-based show controls and more than 250 individually addressable DMX RGBW LED fixtures, transforming the feature into a programmable, color-changing spectacle. These updates enabled the City to choreograph lighting sequences for civic events, holidays, and performances, creating an experience that invites residents and visitors alike to gather and celebrate.
A Revitalized Civic Landmark
Today, the restored S.E.A. District Water Feature stands as a testament to GPSI’s design-build expertise and collaborative spirit. By uniting creative design with precision engineering, GPSI delivered a water feature that honors its architectural heritage while embracing modern performance standards and show technology. The project demonstrates GPSI’s ability to solve complex challenges in real time, balance artistry with practicality, and deliver lasting value to the community. The result is a resilient, reimagined landmark—one designed not only to endure the Gulf Coast’s demanding climate but also to inspire civic pride for decades to come.”