Typically, lift stations are enclosed in uninspired concrete block buildings. At Juan Solomon Park, for a relatively low additional investment, the community was able to realize an aesthetically pleasing and interactive program blended into the park’s existing canvas. The new lift station housed in an attractive structure includes a public community room and incorporates a natural stone veneer façade set at varying heights to break the scale. This exterior appearance coupled with the sloped green roof settled the structure nicely into the park environment. This project also includes gathering spaces, a playground, and trail connections. As a priority, sustainability was considered throughout the design; features such as enhanced insulation, permeable pavement systems, pervious pavement, bio-swales, rain gardens, and a green roof were incorporated to help with water management.

 

Project Highlights

• The actual cost was $14.6 million, $400,000 under the estimated cost.

• The project commenced in 2009 and completed 2012

• Community space accomodating 50 individuals

• The lift station is the first green roof to ever be constructed on a city-owned building

 

Awards

• 2013 ACEC National Recognition Award

• 2013 ACEC Indiana Honor Award Waste and Stormwater

• 2012 ACI Indiana Chapter Outstanding Achievement in Concrete

• 2012 ACI Indiana Chapter Project of the Year

• 2012 Monumental Affair Honor Award for Community Development

• 2012 ICMA Most Innovative Masonry Design Solution for Utilitarian Use Award

• 2012 IWEA Large Facility Award

• 2011 ABCI Judges’ Special Award, Public Works Environmental

 

The building’s exterior incorporates a natural stone veneer façade set at varying heights coupled with a sloped green roof that blends into the adjacent woods. The lift station has three large pumps that move 38 million gallons of sewage daily to the Belmont Wastewater Treatment Facility on the City’s south side and a fourth pump as a spare for emergencies. Now, more than 7,000 homes with failing septic tanks are able to connect to a modern sewer system. The lift station is unique in that it has the first green roof to ever be constructed on a city-owned building. The green roof has 11 plant varieties that absorb rain, manage runoff, and help insulate the building.

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The community room features floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the new brightly-colored playground. The fully equipped playground includes swings, slides, climbing structures, and a tile surface made of recycled rubber tires to create a safe and soft environment. In addition to the playground, gathering spaces, trail connections, and tennis courts were also included.