Graduate Conference Center
Davey Resource Group used gray and green infrastructures to solve stormwater issues at the Graduate Conference Center in Ohio.
Project Narrative:
Cincinnati’s Graduate Conference Center contacted Davey Resource Group to assist with their stormwater issues. The front entrance to Graduate was receiving runoff from the adjacent plaza, driveway, and parking garage. The water exceeded the plaza drains’ stormwater capacity—an issue that was compounded by mulch and sediment eroding from a large planting strip adjacent to the driveway. DRG implemented a three-part solution:
- Excavate the planting strip above the parking garage, clear drains, and add lava rock to store water and improve drainage. Decorative gravel was used to replace the mulch which had been washing out and clogging drains below.
- Construct two bioinfiltration swales to contain the stormwater and remove pollutants. The swales store water so that it can infiltrate into the soil. The swales were planted with native decorative plant species that are able to thrive under both wet and dry situations. Decorative gravel was used for mulch so that the swales matched the planting strip above the parking garage. Bioinfiltration swales remove pollutants as the water moves through plants and soil. They reduce stormwater runoff by infiltration and evapotranspiration by the plants.
- Relocate a drain in the plaza area to capture additional water
Through this combination of gray and green infrastructure solutions, DRG was able to solve the stormwater issues and improve the appearance of the front entrance and plaza.
“We contacted Davey Resource Group to see if they could assist with our stormwater problems. DRG came up with a design and built the project on time and within budget. The bioswales are attractive and are effective in managing our stormwater.” – Mike Bennett, Building Manager, Graduate Conference Center
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