From Last Resorts

A 21st Century Galveston requires 21st Century Solutions

The Seawall and the suggested “Ike-dike” represent typically 20th century approaches to the environment, attempting to resist natural dynamics by imposing massive top-down infrastructures. Such structures work but only for a few hours whenever a storm occurs. The rest of the time they are dormant, unattractive and require continual maintenance. Moreover, they often accelerate erosion and damage the natural environment that coastal communities depend upon and therefore inhibit development.

Rather than continue this outdated approach, Galveston should rethink what it means to live upon a dynamic coast in a changing climate and create planning and design solutions that make it a beacon of sustainable design. Given the severity of potential impacts from storm and rising sea-levels, bold visions are required. 


The amount of money that would be spent on a single-purpose infrastructure could be spent on the construction of places that integrate Galveston’s cultural and natural amenities to enhance its civic realm. Such projects would foster a sustainable local economy of well paid skilled jobs in addition to boosting the tourist industry.

Rather than continue unmitigated development on the West End, integrated development on East End should be planned. Not only is the East End the least damage-prone area of the island, it offers the greatest set of amenities and the greatest potential for attracting younger, affluent visitors and residents who are increasingly attracted to a more urban setting. Allow only limited, dense archipelagos of development on the West End while amplifying its landscape amenities. Intensive use of land at concentrated points is far more sustainable, and the impacts of such developments can be better mitigated.

Reorient development to the Bay, especially in the West. Not only is the Bay side considerably safer in terms of storm hazard, proven techniques for fostering wetland growth can produce an environmentally rich and beautiful landscape, enhancing real-estate prices while catalyzing high value eco-tourism.

While Galveston is often said to be about two edges--the beach and the bay--these are merely the points of interface between the Island and larger ecological and economic systems. Engaging them in a way that emphasizes our distinctive environment offers the greatest potential for re-inventing Galveston as a destination for this century and beyond.