The Mercantile (N. Liberty St. and W. Gay St.)

Colman Engineering provided civil engineering services to develop a site plan for the properties located at the corner of North Liberty Street and West Gay Street in Harrisonburg. The project required careful coordination to ensure compliance with city regulations while optimizing the layout for functionality and accessibility.

To support the design process, Colman Engineering conducted minor site topographic surveys to determine critical elevations and confirm the location of existing site features. Using this data, the team designed a comprehensive site layout that incorporated essential features such as walkways, building access, entrances, fire lanes, parking areas—including ADA-compliant spaces—landscaping, and utility connections. The layout also accounted for water and sewer service lines, fire suppression lines, and stormwater management infrastructure.

Grading was a key consideration, with efforts made to balance site cuts and fills to reduce the need for importing or exporting materials. The stormwater management plan was designed to meet federal, state, and local regulations while ensuring effective runoff control. Additionally, erosion and sediment control measures were developed in coordination with the City’s Erosion and Sediment Control Administrator to prevent impacts to surrounding areas during construction.

Utility planning was an integral part of the project, with Colman Engineering designing water and sewer service lines, fire suppression lines, and a water meter system to meet the City of Harrisonburg’s Public Utilities Department and Fire Chief’s approval requirements.

By developing a well-coordinated and compliant site plan, Colman Engineering helped pave the way for efficient site development, ensuring the project met regulatory standards while supporting long-term functionality and sustainability.