Imagine lying in a hammock watching crystal clear waves lapping a white sandy beach. The sound of children laughing while they play in the surf can be heard over the wind rustling in the palm trees overhead. Delicious smells waft over from some nearby food trucks.

This might sound like a scene straight out of a Caribbean beach vacation, but it’s the ambitious vision for a new master-planned community northeast of Houston.

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Land Tejas Cos. has unveiled plans for the first Crystal Lagoon in Houston. The longtime Houston developer plans to develop a 2-acre manmade lagoon in Balmoral, a new 580-acre residential community near Generation Park northeast of Houston.

“In my 30 years as a developer, this is clearly the most important new innovation to come to Houston,” said Al Brende, founder and owner of Land Tejas Cos. who introduced the first splash pad in the Bayou City. “This is a game changer for amenities.”

Land Tejas worked with Miami- and Dallas-based Crystal Lagoons U.S. Corp., Florida-based Heidt Design LLC, Houston-based KGA/Deforest Design LLC and The Woodlands-based Jones Carter to develop plans for the lagoon at Balmoral. The community will feature a $10 million amenity center, including:

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Welcome center and clubhouse with rooms for rent and a terrace overlooking the “Oasis” pool and crystal lagoon

Resort-style “oasis” pool with cabanas, a sun shelf and an infinity edge waterfall and benches overlooking the Crystal Lagoon

Crystal Lagoon — the size of two football fields — with three white sand beaches that can accommodate 500-plus swimmers. The beaches include: Kid’s Cove beach that is 1.5-feet to 3.5-feet deep for young children Family beach with white sand, crystal clear water, cabanas and lounge chairs Serenity beach for adults

Food truck courtyard

Grotto featuring a waterfall and benches

Hammock park with six to eight hammocks

Dock for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards

Sand volleyball court

Pavilions and firepits

“Celebration Lawn” for community events, like a movie night on the lagoon

Playground and splash pad with separate pavilion and bathrooms just outside of the lagoon

Surface parking for 100 cars

Continue Reading: Via Paul Takahashi with Houston Business Journal