Terrace Hill Erosion Control - Des Moines, IA

JBC led the landscape architecture and stormwater design for the Terrace Hill Erosion Control project in Des Moines to address ongoing erosion issues near the Governor’s mansion. The project focused on capturing and managing stormwater runoff from downspout leaders that had previously caused significant damage to the landscape.

JBC designed two rain garden basins to accept and infiltrate stormwater on-site, while a carefully integrated overflow system connects to existing infrastructure for major storm events. A series of weir walls act as check dams to slow, filter, and reduce the velocity of stormwater, all while serving as functional and aesthetic features within the landscape.

JBC worked collaboratively with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to appropriately size the stormwater BMPs to capture the appropriate quantities of runoff. With attention to the site’s historic designation, JBC carefully placed these systems on the estate to protect viewsheds and preserve the integrity of this important civic property.