Stormwater Strategy: How Underground Detention Unlocks Hidden Land Value in the Kansas City Metro

By Hilary Zerr, Partner and Civil Engineer at Davidson Architecture & Engineering

KANSAS CITY — In the fast-paced world of commercial development, every square foot of land is an asset. In high-value areas across the Kansas City metro, developers know that the layout of a site can make or break a project’s profitability. That’s why an increasing number of property owners, engineers, and architects are looking beyond traditional dry detention basins — and turning to underground detention solutions like ADS StormTech® chambers to maximize usable space and long-term property value. To further build on our previously posted Underground Detention vs. Dry Basins we will provide more information on the benefits of underground chamber systems.

The Land Footprint Problem with Surface Detention

A dry detention basin may be cheaper upfront, but it requires dedicating a large surface area solely for stormwater management — an area that could otherwise be generating revenue. In commercial developments, this often means:

• Fewer leasable building square feet

• Reduced parking capacity (a potential deal-breaker for retailers and restaurants)

• Lost opportunities for outdoor amenities that boost customer appeal

On premium real estate, this "lost" space translates directly into lost income potential.

Underground Detention: Turning Stormwater into an Investment

By moving detention underground, developers unlock the land above for income-producing uses. The StormTech chamber system is engineered for placement beneath parking lots, drive aisles, landscaped areas, or open spaces. This approach offers a twofold benefit:

1. Regulatory Compliance — Fully meets stormwater storage requirements and with the isolator row meets Water Quality MARC manual points.

2. Revenue Preservation — Maintains or increases the project’s functional surface area.

Consider this:

• On a $15–$25 per square foot commercial lot, even a 10,000 sq. ft. detention basin could represent $150,000–$250,000 in lost development value.

• With underground detention, that same 10,000 sq. ft. can remain productive — as parking, retail footprint, or additional tenant space — potentially offsetting the system’s higher upfront cost.

ADS StormTech: An Industry Leader in Space-Saving Design

As a pioneer in chamber-based underground detention, ADS StormTech provides a scalable, modular solution that adapts to the unique footprint of each site. Their chambers are:

• Lightweight and modular for quick installation with minimal disruption.

• Load-rated to withstand traffic and heavy use above.

• Configurable to fit irregular parcels and site constraints common in Kansas City infill development.

Paired with proven pretreatment devices, ADS StormTech systems help protect water quality while delivering decades of reliable performance.

Who Benefits Most?

Underground detention is especially advantageous for:

• Urban infill and redevelopment projects where land is scarce and expensive.

• Retail centers that need maximum parking for customer convenience.

• Multi-tenant commercial or mixed-use developments where every square foot of building area translates into rental income.

• Properties with irregular shapes where fitting a surface basin would compromise site flow or functionality.

The Bottom Line

In the Kansas City metro — where market demand, regulatory requirements, and land costs intersect — underground detention is more than a stormwater solution. It’s a land value strategy.

While the initial investment may be higher than a dry basin, systems like ADS StormTech® often pay for themselves by preserving space for revenue-generating uses. For developers who think long-term, the choice is clear: stormwater management should work with the site plan, not against it.

Ask the Davidson A+E team if you need help finding the proper solution for your project!