Originally published Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 12:00 AM
New ideas | Project meets challenge of runoff
Not much about Shamrock Heights says "revolutionary. " The Craftsman-inspired architecture, the cul-de-sac and the neat rows of new homes...
Seattle Times environment reporter
Not much about Shamrock Heights says "revolutionary."
The Craftsman-inspired architecture, the cul-de-sac and the neat rows of new homes with closely cropped lawns could be a slice of suburbia anywhere.
But subtle features signal this isn't just a typical development on the outskirts of Renton.
Sidewalks run along only one side of narrow streets, all built on what was formerly a plant nursery. Instead of big backyards, a shallow, landscaped, artificial creek bed splits two rows of homes with smaller yards. "Your Rain Channel," declares a nearby sign.
The 117-home project is one of a few housing developments built around Puget Sound using unconventional strategies to reduce damage from stormwater.
Known collectively as low-impact development, it's an effort to get water to soak into the ground before it flows into nearby creeks.
Narrow streets and fewer sidewalks mean less runoff-creating pavement. The rain channels soak up rain and slow the rush of stormwater. Kirkland-based developer CamWest still used a man-made pond to catch water from big storms. But a rebuilt wetland acts as a final stormwater sponge.
Eric Campbell, CamWest's founder, said there were extra costs because it took more work from consultants and longer to get the permits, even though King County encouraged it as a guinea pig for such approaches.
But, he said, "low-impact, if embraced, could really become cost-effective."
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
UW provost tapped for Nike's board
Food-bank donations pour in after theft in Rainier Valley
Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
Man gets 11 1/2 years in I-90 floating-bridge stabbing

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Monfort fired after excellent worker turned unreliable
- Sentence request for US woman in Italy murder case
- 31 years for man who killed girlfriend, then lit cigarette and waited for police
- Boeing facility death was suicide
- Swedish threatens to end Regence BlueShield's contract
- Man falls 8 stories, suffers minor injuries
- Mariners Blog | A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Mariners Blog | Dustin Ackley to move to second base; Mariners add six to 40-man roster
- What climate-change deniers really believe (and why they're wrong)
199 - Swedish threatens to end Regence BlueShield's contract
170 - Italian prosecutors wrap up in Knox murder trial
109 - Boeing breaks ground for historic SC plant
85 - A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
84 - Man sentenced to 31 years in prison in girlfriend's slaying on I-5
78 - Mariners add six to 40-man roster
70 - First key vote today on Senate health bill
64 - Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
52 - Man shot in Capitol Hill
51
- Swedish threatens to end Regence BlueShield's contract
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Restaurant review | Artisanal at The Bravern shows French flair in delicious style
- Seattle industrial artist Rusty Oliver is the man behind 'Smash Putt'
- Peruvian police: Gang killed people for their fat
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- $335 million in education grants
- Monfort fired after excellent worker turned unreliable





