StormTank Urban Root System Aids in Mount Vernon Riverfront Transformation
Revitalizing Mount Vernon’s Riverfront with the StormTank Urban Root System
Located along the Skagit River, about sixty miles north of Seattle, is the city of Mount Vernon, Washington. Known for its annual Tulip Festival Street Fair, this community has long faced the devastating effects of flooding. These challenges limited the city’s ability to promote its unique tourism opportunities, creating a drastic need to revitalize their waterfront area.
Launching a Multi-Phase Plan to Protect and Revitalize
To address persistent flooding, the city launched a multi-year plan backed by a $27.3 million public-private partnership. The project was organized into several phases. Phase I, completed in October 2010, involved constructing a permanent floodwall extending from the Division Street Bridge to Lions Park. Phase II, which began in 2013, became the centerpiece of the revitalization effort by linking existing trail systems and creating a 30,000-square-foot public riverfront park.
Trees were also incorporated to provide shade and natural beauty. The design team initially selected a plastic subsurface support system to protect the pavement. However, when the original system proved too costly and delayed installation, the contractor reached out to Brentwood. The StormTank Urban Root System (URS) was installed in the summer of 2014 and successfully met both the contractor’s needs and the design engineer’s requirements.
Revisiting the Site after A Decade of Healthy Growth and Performance
In May 2025, nearly 11 years later, the StormTank team revisited the site and witnessed the results firsthand. We observed healthy trees with well-developed roots and lush canopies, thriving without causing damage to the surrounding pavers or concrete areas.
Today, Mount Vernon’s transformed riverfront stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful planning and innovative solutions. The once flood-prone area has become a welcoming destination that supports local businesses, attracts visitors year-round, and provides residents with a beautiful, accessible space to gather, celebrate community events, and enjoy the river views for generations to come.
