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<br /> <br />Multistory <br />condominium on <br />concrete wall <br />foundation, Rochester, <br />Minnesota <br /> <br />This 6-story, 20-unit condominium was constructed in 1978 <br />on the bank of the Zumbro River in Rochester, Minnesota <br />(Figure A3). Flooding from the Zumbro can be of a flash nature <br />and has been known to reach depths of up to 4 feet in the vicinity <br />of the condominium. The structure was designed and built with <br />the structural walls aligned to allow for passage of floodflows. <br />The building is set on concrete walls with concreted spread <br />footings on bedrock. The ground floor, which was designed for <br />parking, is a concrete slab on grade with reinforced concrete <br />support columns. Stair towers and elevator shaft are made of <br />poured concrete. The condominium units are elevated above the <br />regional flood level. The electrical transformer and feed is of <br />waterproof construction. The builder estimates the additional <br />cost of raising the structure was only $15,000. This demonstrates <br />the modest cost when included in the original design. <br /> <br />While the building is inaccessible during flooding, a door in <br />the stair tower is located above flood level. This door leads to an <br />embankment where residents can wait for evacuation. In <br />addition, the elevator can be stopped at upper levels during <br />floods to allow for evacuation from those floors. <br /> <br />The Zumbro River last flooded during the summer of 1978. <br />At that time, the building was under construction and some <br />damage occurred because the elevator cage had been <br />inadvertently left at ground level. Damages could easily be <br />avoided should another flood occur. <br /> <br />The design of this condominium is effective in two ways. First <br />and most important, it reduces potential flood damages; second, <br />it provides parking, which would otherwise be lacking due to <br />property constraints. <br /> <br />18 <br />