City Green: Innovative Green Infrastructure Solutions for Downtowns and Infill Locations

Communities of all sizes and in all climates are using green infrastructure to manage stormwater using natural processes. Green infrastructure manages stormwater to control flooding and improve water quality. It also offers a wide range of other environmental, economic, public health, and social benefits.

City Green: Innovative Green Infrastructure Solutions for Downtowns and Infill Locations (pdf) (8.45 MB, 2016, 230-R-16-001)  is for local governments, private developers and other stakeholders who shape redevelopment projects in downtowns and infill locations. It provides inspiration and successful strategies for overcoming common barriers to using green infrastructure in these contexts. 

City Green includes twelve case studies from around the country that successfully implemented green infrastructure on sites surrounded by existing development. In all cases, space was at a premium, and soil conditions were often unknown or unsuitable for infiltration.

The case studies help counter real and perceived obstacles to using green infrastructure in downtowns and infill locations by providing successful examples showing that:

1. Careful site planning allows green infrastructure to work on contaminated sites and sites with poor soils.
2. Historic properties can incorporate context-sensitive green infrastructure compatible with the historic fabric.
3. Green infrastructure fits into highly space-constrained sites.
4. Municipalities are removing regulatory obstacles to allow green infrastructure projects.
5. Green infrastructure can provide effective stormwater management in arid climates and areas where water rights are a concern.
6. Green infrastructure can be a cost-effective approach to stormwater management and can help drive economic development.
7. Long-term maintenance can be addressed by thoughtful upfront planning and innovative approaches.

Twelve case studies featured in City Green are:

1. Waltham Watch Factory, Waltham, Massachusetts.
2. Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, New York.
3. Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
4. Radian Complex, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
5. Sand River Headwaters Green Infrastructure Project, Aiken, South Carolina.
6. Menomonee Valley Industrial Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
7. Uptown Normal Circle, Normal, Illinois.
8. Metro Green Line, St. Paul, Minnesota.
9. Stapleton Greenway Park, Denver, Colorado.
10. Santa Fe Railyard Park and Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
11. Mint Plaza, San Francisco, California.
12. Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel, Seattle, Washington.