Modeling the Path Forward: Green Infrastructure (GI) for the Preservation of the Washington School, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Presentation Description : The project will serve as a case study to develop a framework to incorporate green infrastructure on preservation sites that considers historical context, sustainability, resilience, and social equity that may be applied to future projects. Participants will use the Personal Computer Stormwater Management Model (PCSWMM) to develop a hydrologic model of the site (The Washington School, Stillwater, Oklahoma) and determine green stormwater interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding at the site.

Full Presentation Abstract: The Washington School was the first to offer a high school diploma to Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Black Community. Washington School was centrally located in the Black community, directly in the flood plain, and intentionally beyond both city limits and flood insurance bounds. Although the school is no longer active, the Washington School Alumni Association and other community stakeholders would like to see the building restored and serve as a community center; however, flooding continues to threaten the integrity of the site. The pending rehabilitation of Washington School provides a chance to investigate how modern stormwater solutions, such as green infrastructure, can mitigate the impacts of flooding on the historical sites, and provide communities with green space in densely developed areas. The project will engage public historians, community stakeholders, and engineers to develop a framework for incorporating green infrastructure in a historically appropriate and responsible manner. The green infrastructure plan is expected to enhance the sustainability and resiliency of the Washington School to serve as a community center for years to come. Our research tasks include meeting with project stakeholders, developing a hydrologic model of the site using the Personal Computer Stormwater Management Model (PCSWMM), and determining green stormwater interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding at the site. This project is supported by the National Park Service National Center for Preservation Technology and Training grant program. It is anticipated that this project will serve as a case study to develop a framework to incorporate green infrastructure on preservation sites that considers historical context, sustainability, resilience, and social equity that may be applied to future projects.