Stormwater Management, Naturally — The Ellis Preserve LiveRoof® Story
October 28th, 2025|
Ellis Preserve: A Living Roof Solution for Stormwater Management and Beauty
Newtown Square, PA | Riverbend Green Roofs
Greening a Parking Garage with Purpose
The Ellis Preserve project located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania is an example of theLiveRoof® system being used to mitigate stormwateron a parking garage rooftop. The project demonstrates how green roofs can go beyond buildings, offering innovative stormwater management solutions in unexpected places.
Located atop the upper level of a mostly underground parking structure, the LiveRoof® system was integrated into landscape islands framed by concrete curbs. These green spaces soften the structure’s appearance, blending function and form seamlessly into the surrounding development.
Designed for Stormwater Performance
At the heart of the design is a thoughtful stormwater strategy. Each island includes curb cuts that allow rainfall to flow directly into the LiveRoof® system. Once inside, stormwater is captured, slowed, filtered, and cooled before being released — a process that reduces runoff, helps prevent pollution, and improves overall water quality.
By mimicking natural landscapes, the LiveRoof® system transforms hardscape runoff into a living, working part of the site’s stormwater infrastructure — managing water where it falls rather than sending it downstream.
A Softer Look with a Living Palette
Traditionally, designers rely on eight inches or more of soil to provide the stormwater storage capacity needed for projects like this. That approach, however, adds unnecessary weight and cost. While most stormwater management projects rely solely on sedum for coverage and durability, the D2 Group wanted to achieve more than just function. They envisioned a vibrant, natural landscape that would soften the hard edges of the garage and enhance the view from the nearby office building.
Working closely with Riverbend Green Roofs, the project team expanded the palette beyond sedum, incorporating Allium, Coreopsis, and Lavender to provide added texture, height, and seasonal color. The result is a living roof that performs as beautifully as it looks — a lush, dynamic planting that evolves with the seasons while supporting the site’s stormwater goals.
Project Snapshot:
Location:Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
Visionary:D2 Group
General Contractor:IMC
Installer:Belcher Roofing
Completed:June 2024
System Size:2,100 SF | 4.25” Standard LiveRoof Modules
Accessories:RoofEdge® Edging and corners for drainage areas
Expert Growing by Riverbend Green Roofs
The plant material for Ellis Preserve was cultivated by Riverbend Green Roofs, a trusted LiveRoof® grower serving Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Known for their meticulous attention to plant quality, Riverbend produces LiveRoof® modules that are lush, mature, and overflowing with vitality at the time of installation.
Their expertise extends to growing perennials and grasses that complement sedum mixes, allowing projects like Ellis Preserve to achieve both environmental performance and aesthetic excellence.
A Model for Multifunctional Design
The Ellis Preserve project illustrates how green roofs can play an essential role in modern stormwater management, even in challenging applications like parking structures. It’s a strong example of LiveRoof’s versatility — providing sustainable water management, heat reduction, and long-term beauty all in one system.
As urban areas seek creative ways to meet stormwater regulations and enhance livability, projects like Ellis Preserve point the way forward: designs that treat water as a resource and green space as essential infrastructure.
