St. Martins By the Lake: Engineering Eco-Friendly Drainage for Places of Worship

Project Overview

BKBM provided civil engineering services for St. Martins By the Lake, focusing on the design and implementation of stormwater management features to improve drainage and the treatment of stormwater runoff for the church campus in Minnetonka Beach, MN.

Project Highlights

  • Targeted Stormwater Improvements:
    • Developed a comprehensive stormwater management plan using a combination of pervious pavements and existing infiltration basins.
    • Designed grading, drainage, and erosion/sediment control measures to meet the stormwater treatment goals of the City of Minnetonka Beach and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
    • Employed a Percoa permeable concrete system to handle high-traffic areas and optimize stormwater infiltration and durability.
  • Collaboration & Cost Sharing:
    • Assisted the church in securing approval for a cost-share program through the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, covering half the cost of stormwater design and construction.
    • Worked closely with city and watershed representatives for project peer reviews and expedited approval.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s approach utilized sustainable site design, innovative permeable pavements, and integrated stormwater systems. The civil engineering team provided proactive planning, technical expertise, and regulatory coordination to maximize site performance and financial benefit for the church.

Results & Impact

The stormwater improvements at St. Martins By the Lake offer long-term benefits for drainage, water quality, and resilience, while reducing environmental impact and maintenance needs. BKBM’s solutions fostered a sustainable approach to church campus development and set a precedent for collaborative, eco-friendly site design.