Houston master planner aims to make waves with surf lagoon

McCord Development is going new wave with the latest amenity at its Generation Park development.

Southern California-based Beach Street Development is set to begin construction on a 6-acre, man-made surf lagoon at the master-planned project in early 2023 with an expected opening date in fall 2024. The tubular project is part of the 4,200-acre master-planned community Generation Park in the northeast outskirts of Houston’s city limits— not far from Lake Houston.

Dubbed HTX Surf, the Houston development is an extension of Beach Street’s new segment of barefoot lifestyle destinations and resorts anchored by man-made surfing lagoons. The technology used to create customizable ocean-like waves for up to 70 surfers per hour comes from Wavegarden, an engineering firm based in southern Spain.

The lagoon will have specific areas and programs designated for beginner and advanced surfers. There will be private memberships that offer early access to the reservation platform, private sessions, access to exclusive amenities like the clubhouse. Plans also include hot tubs, fire pits, swimming pool, skateboard pump track and an event lawn for bands and festivals.

Houston-based McCord has been building up the massive development at the northeast corner of Beltway 8 since 2017. Since then, the development’s welcomed TechnipFMC’s corporate hub, two college campuses and Redemption Square, a 52-acre mixed-use retail and entertainment district. Its first multifamily development, 255 Assay Street Luxury Apartments in Redemption Square, opened in 2019.

Ryan McCord, the chief developer behind Generation Park touted that the amenity “will attract a wide range of personalities from professional surfers, amateur boarders, families and corporate groups among others.”

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