In the aftermath of two devastating floods in August 2020, the Wharf Lot in Staunton was left with more than $3 million in damages, highlighting the need for effective flood mitigation measures. The city has since taken steps to address the issue, including temporary closure of the lot and structural concerns that have led to further closures. For a group of four James Madison University (JMU) students, the Wharf Lot presented an opportunity to put their skills to the test and create a landscape architectural design that could provide a solution to this ongoing problem. • **Understanding the Challenges**
• • Studying the site and its flood patterns
• • Analyzing the existing infrastructure and its limitations
• • Identifying the need for a green space
As part of a class project, the students were tasked with creating a proposal for daylighting of Lewis Creek and providing space for flood mitigation, open space, and a public bathroom. Their professor, Traci Wile, brought the Wharf Lot situation to their attention because she lives on Byers Street, and the class assignment was to create a solution that would work for the community.
“We were trying to provide other solutions, which is what we did,” said Shaun Davis, a junior majoring in Architectural Design. “Our goal was to create a design that would work with flooding, not against it.”
The students’ design featured flood benches around the entire Wharf Lot, creating a natural amphitheater area. By incorporating vegetation and flood mitigation strategies, the students aimed to create a sustainable and functional space.
| Design Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Flood Benches | Creating a natural amphitheater area, allowing for floodwater to be contained and absorbed. |
| Vegetation | Incorporating plants and trees to absorb and filter floodwaters, while also providing aesthetic value. |
| Public Bathroom | Providing a functional amenity for the community, especially during Farmers Market Saturdays. |
Staunton Mayor Michele Edwards and some members of Staunton City Council attended a presentation of the project, expressing interest in the students’ design.
“They’ve got their eye out for us,” said Davis. “We’re willing to work with the community and weigh needs, but most of the parking at the Wharf would be eliminated in the design.”
According to Davis, the main goal of the project is to create a green, sustainable space where the community can gather and function in case of flooding.
Student Insights and Future Plans
Shaun Davis, who plans to graduate from JMU in 2026 and pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering at UVA, hopes to start his own firm in Virginia or Tennessee.
“I just think that [Virginia] has a lot of opportunity for what I want to do,” said Davis, who grew up in Madison Heights. “The class project made me fall in love with the project even more.”
For Davis, the class project offered valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the world of architecture. He is eager to continue his education and career, and is optimistic about the potential for his design to be seriously considered by the city.
Conclusion
The landscape architectural design created by the JMU students offers a promising solution to the flood mitigation challenges facing the Wharf Lot in Staunton. By incorporating green space and flood mitigation strategies, the design aims to create a sustainable and functional space that benefits the community.
While there may be some adjustments needed to the design, the students’ hard work and dedication have brought attention to the importance of innovative solutions to this ongoing problem.
