One Watershed, One Team: Integrated Urban Restoration at Lakewood SCM
Jake Maschoff, PE
Kimley-Horn
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) and Mecklenburg County Asset and Facilities Management (AFM) collaborated with Kimley-Horn to complete an integrated greenway, stream rehabilitation, and stormwater control measure (SCM) project in Charlotte, NC. Adopting a collaborative approach, Kimley-Horn and the local government integrated the design, permitting, and construction phases, which concluded in January 2024. Capturing a drainage area of nearly 60 acres of developed land, the 1.5-acre SCM features a permanent pool with a volume exceeding 100,000 cubic feet. A bisecting unnamed tributary to Stewart Creek was connected to the SCM. The project also involved rehabilitating 2,200 linear feet of Stewart Creek Tributary 2, which is a FEMA-recognized stream, as well as constructing an adjacent 1.5 miles of greenway.
The design emphasized sustainability, incorporating best management practices and natural design principles such as native vegetation and in-stream structures. A key aspect of the project was its dual-function SCM, combining point-source inflow and stream overbank flows into wetland cells containing pools and shelves for diverse habitats. The SCM contributes significantly to water quality by reducing annual runoff volume, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels by estimated percentages of 15%, 34%, and 40%, respectively. Additionally, it also enhances biodiversity and habitat availability in an urban setting, offering recreational and educational benefits to the community.
The City of Charlotte’s stormwater management innovation and effective public agency partnerships exemplify a successful urban environmental project model. The SCM’s design and construction reflect Charlotte’s commitment to sustainability and civic resilience, setting a benchmark for future projects. This presentation will outline how Lakewood SCM stands as a beacon of perseverance, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, promising long-term benefits and a replicable model for urban areas.
About Jake Maschoff, PE
Jake Maschoff is a professional engineer with over 12 years of experience in stream restoration and stormwater design, specializing in natural channel design. He has led and supported projects across the United States, including work in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, and Indiana. His experience emphasizes geomorphic stability, constructability, and the practical integration of restored stream systems with adjacent infrastructure in urban environments.