At the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Northyards Building stands as a beacon of sustainable development. Originally redeveloped in 2002 with an eye toward environmental responsibility, this property has continued to innovate in its approach to water management. Today, we’re thrilled to share an exciting new chapter in its story: converting its stormwater detention system into a rainwater harvesting solution.
A Sustainable Foundation
The Northyards Building was a forward-thinking project from the start, incorporating stormwater detention to comply with early 2000s regulations. This system was designed to slowly release stormwater into the combined stormwater and sewer piping—a system notorious for overflows of raw sewage during heavy rain events.
While effective for its time, stormwater detention alone wasn’t enough to address Atlanta’s growing water challenges. Enter the next phase of sustainability: a rainwater harvesting system designed not only to reduce runoff but to turn stormwater into a valuable resource.
The Conversion Process
The property owner at Northyards sought a practical solution to reuse stormwater for landscaping irrigation. Here’s how we brought that vision to life:
Storage Capacity: A new 50,000-gallon above-ground tank was installed to store stormwater for reuse.
Pumping Upgrades: New pumps were added to the existing stormwater vault to transfer water into the storage tank. A second set of pumps in the cistern now powers the irrigation system.
Leak Detection: During the project, we discovered small leaks in the irrigation piping—an issue that had gone unnoticed. Repairing these leaks will ensure efficient water use moving forward.
Early Observations
One of the most exciting discoveries so far has been the cleanliness of the water. The vault, which collects runoff from an adjacent parking deck, was expected to contain significant sediment and debris. Instead, we’ve found that much of the sediment settles in the vault itself, leaving the water pumped into the cistern remarkably clear.
Looking Ahead
It will be next year before we can measure how much potable water this system has saved, but the potential is promising. Beyond water conservation, this project helps reduce strain on Atlanta’s combined sewer and stormwater system, mitigating overflow risks during storms.
This initiative also highlights the importance of revisiting existing infrastructure with fresh eyes. What was once a standard detention system is now a vital part of a greener future.
Inspiring Change in Urban Sustainability
The Northyards Building’s transformation is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets commitment. By turning stormwater into an asset, we’re not only addressing current water challenges but also setting an example for others to follow.
Here's a link to the owner's article about their sustainability efforts.
Northyards: Adaptive Reuse Creates Lasting Value and Sustainable Operations in Atlanta’s Westside