The Mill at Broadway
Permeable Pavers Create Old-World Aesthetic as Part of Modern Drainage Solution
Every Project Starts with a Purpose
When completed, The Mill at Broadway will comprise about 1,000 homes on a 30-acre site that was once home to a century-old sawmill. The development features a mix of condos, a six-unit elevator building and detached single-family homes. The community also features a 4-acre park, a 11,000 sq. ft. community resource center, and a 2.5-acre urban farm and market operated in conjunction with the City of Sacramento.
Developers needed a stormwater management plan that would make efficient use of the real estate and avoid burdening the city’s combined stormwater and sewer system. Planners looked at several permeable road systems, such as pervious concrete pavement, but were unhappy with the aesthetics and maintenance needs of many pervious pavement options. “Some of those systems require regular maintenance (such as by a vacuum truck) and would need to be completely torn up and reinstalled if they were to clog,” explains Rachel Bardis, co-owner of Bardis Homes, general contractor for the project.
The Solution
Solving for Style, Function, and Durability
The community’s driveways and roadways were constructed with Belgard’s Eco Dublin and Aqua Roc permeable interlocking concrete pavers, which lend an historic Sacramento aesthetic while addressing the stormwater management needs.
“We worked with engineers to design the streets so they’d be an alternative to an above-ground detention basin on the site,” explains Rachel Bardis, co-owner of Bardis Homes, general contractor on the project. “In the event of a 200-year flood, the system can hold back water from the site to keep it from burdening the city’s combined stormwater and sewer system.”
According to Jim McCurdy, vice president of BKF Engineers, this approach is rarely used citywide. “This is one of the first projects I’ve seen where the entire internal road system uses this type of material. It was an effective way to meet the project’s retention criteria.”
The roadway system relies on an aggregate base with a 40 percent void ratio at depths ranging from 18 to 36 inches to retain stormwater. Beneath the aggregate layer, a perforated pipe and liner allow water to gradually drain away. Belgard permeable pavers were installed as the road surface, with one-quarter by 10 stone compacted between joints to maintain permeability and direct water into the system.
The paver selection also allowed designers to replicate Sacramento’s historic cobblestone appearance while delivering a more refined, high-end look. For the roadways, the pavers were tumbled to create a rustic finish.
In addition to stormwater performance, the paver system enhanced safety and walkability. “The developer wanted a more attractive alternative to painted crosswalks, so we used pavers with changes in color and pattern,” said Bardis. She added that pavers naturally slow traffic through the neighborhood. “Psychologically, people see pavers and tend to slow down, even without physical speed-reduction measures.”
Featured Products
The Result
A Lasting Impression:
The Final Transformation
“The response we’ve gotten to the paved roads has been really positive. People love them, from the city planners and developers to the residents. They feel like it’s adds to the upscale design of the community.” – Rachel Bardis, co-owner of Bardis Homes.
Initially, the only reservation Bardis Homes had about using permeable pavers was the anticipated installation time, estimated to take up to three weeks to install each city block by hand. However, installation contractor California Pavers used an Optimas mechanical paver installer to lay large sections at a time, completing a city block in as little as four days with the help of prep work done by the factory.
“Belgard hand-stacked the pavers in the designated pattern at the factory and tumbled those used for the road first,” explained Brian Camper, owner of California Pavers. “On site, the machine places a full cube of patterned pavers at once, and our crew laces the sections together to complete the installation.”
PLAN + DESIGN
Smarter Planning. Better Design.
Belgard isn’t just here to provide the product—we’re your partner in planning and design. From first ideas to final layout, we make it easy to bring your outdoor vision to life.
Outdoor Living Awaits
Let’s build something beautiful together
Outdoor living solutions for homeowners, contractors, and designers.
We’ll listen to your needs, help identify the right products and design approach, and guide you toward a tailored solution that brings your outdoor vision to life.