Spanning 337 acres in the heart of St. Charles County, Cottleville Trails stands as one of the largest and most defining residential developments in Bax Engineering’s portfolio. What began as a vision to create a connected community centered around lakes, walking paths, and open green space evolved into a coordinated effort involving thoughtful design, collaboration, and long-term planning.

Developed by DCM Land, LLC, the project required precise management of floodplain conditions, extensive grading, and coordination among multiple public agencies. Bax Engineering played a central role from concept through construction, providing a full range of in-house services including surveying, floodplain analysis, grading design, and stormwater management to make the development both buildable and sustainable.

Bax Engineering approached the project with a coordinated strategy that brought surveying, engineering, and regulatory design together under one plan. The team conducted detailed boundary and floodplain surveys to establish site limits and elevations, then developed grading and stormwater designs that turned the property’s natural challenges into opportunities. A system of interconnected lakes provided both the necessary fill material and a lasting amenity for the community.

By managing floodplain studies, FEMA map revisions, and infrastructure design in-house, Bax ensured a consistent approach from start to finish. Collaboration among surveyors, engineers, and project managers kept approvals moving efficiently and maintained the project’s momentum through each phase.

Cottleville Trails has redefined what’s possible in residential development within a floodplain. The design not only restored and enhanced the site’s hydraulic performance but also created a resilient, attractive neighborhood featuring trails, open space, and recreational lakes.
Homes have sold quickly, reflecting both the desirability of the location and the confidence that comes with sound engineering. The project continues to expand with additional phases, reinforcing its long-term success.

With all major components handled in-house, from surveying to construction documentation, Bax Engineering ensured a seamless process that few firms could match in both scope and precision.

Cottleville Trails demonstrates Bax Engineering’s capacity to manage large, multifaceted developments that demand coordination across multiple disciplines and regulatory layers.

Over 3 million cubic yards of earth moved to raise home sites above flood elevation, creation of multiple lakes for fill and community amenities, and FEMA map revisions to document floodplain changes.