Solving a Hidden Drainage Problem at a 50-Year-Old Downtown Portland High-Rise

When people think about commercial landscaping, they often picture trees, colorful plantings, and a beautifully maintained outdoor space. But sometimes, the most important work happens beneath the surface.

At ProGrass Home & Landscape Improvements, we're currently partnering on a drainage renovation for a 50+ year-old high-rise in downtown Portland. It's a project that highlights how effective landscape design goes beyond aesthetics. It protects buildings and prevents costly damage.

In this video, Steve Rourke explains the unique challenges of this downtown Portland high-rise and shares how the ProGrass team is helping bring the new drainage system to life.

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The Challenge

This building features an elevated landscape above a terrace level with offices below. While the design created an attractive outdoor environment, it also presented a long-term drainage challenge.

Over time, water collected beneath the landscaped areas instead of draining away efficiently. As it accumulated, the water would eventually overflow the retaining walls, leaving mineral stains on the exterior walls and creating ongoing maintenance concerns.

While the staining was the most visible symptom, the underlying issue was an aging drainage system that needed a modern solution.

Designing the Right Solution

Every drainage project is unique, especially when working with existing structures that have been in place for decades.

For this project, our team collaborated closely with architects to develop a drainage system designed specifically for the building's layout and structural requirements. Together, we evaluated how water moved through the landscape and created a solution that would efficiently collect and redirect it before it could cause future problems.

Projects like this require careful planning, technical expertise, and close coordination between multiple disciplines to ensure the final system performs as intended.

Why Drainage Matters

Proper drainage is one of the most important (and often overlooked) components of commercial landscaping.

Addressing drainage issues early can save property owners significant repair expenses while protecting the value of their investment.

Commercial Landscape Expertise You Can Trust

At ProGrass, we understand that commercial landscape projects often involve far more than installing plants or maintaining lawns. Our team works alongside architects, property managers, engineers, and contractors to solve complex landscape and site challenges with practical, long-lasting solutions.

If your commercial property is experiencing drainage issues, water pooling, erosion, or aging landscape infrastructure, ProGrass Home & Landscape Improvements can help develop a solution tailored to your site.

Contact Us > customerservice@prograss.com