Retail Space

Our investigation included the following:

• Analyzing local rainfall data to quantify the return period of the storm
• Coordinating an elevation survey of the building exterior, as well as an elevation survey and inspection of the stormwater drainage system within the local watershed
• Performing a hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of the city’s stormwater drainage system to estimate flood elevations for select rainfall events
• Determining the probability of repeat flooding
• Developing conceptual strategies to prevent future flooding

SGH coordinated with the owner to determine their goals and designed a flood mitigation strategy considering a 100-year design flood elevation plus 4 in. of freeboard. Highlights of our design include the following:

• Flood barriers that automatically raise into place when floodwater reaches an entrance below the design flood elevation, allowing for immediate deployment without human intervention
• Raised concrete curbs at window wells around the perimeter of the building
• New waterproofing behind the existing brick veneer and on new concrete walls and floor surfaces