Unseen Problems, Unmatched Solutions: Resolving Flooding in a Landmark NYC Home
Why Our Clients Trust Us to Fix What Others Can’t
Basement flooding is a common headache for many New Yorkers—but when it happens in a newly renovated residence in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, the stakes are much higher.
Our client had recently completed a major transformation in the Upper East Side’s Historic District: with luxurious basement amenities. But shortly after construction wrapped, the unthinkable happened—the basement began to flood, and no one could figure out why.
Multiple consultants were brought in. No one had answers. That’s where we came in.
Stepping In Where Others Stopped
We first learned about the issue in conversation with the project’s original architects at an industry event. When we heard the details, we knew this was exactly the kind of challenge we excel at solving.
With minimal disruption to the new structure, our team began investigating the root cause. We didn’t just examine the home—we examined the entire block’s infrastructure. And what we uncovered required a deep understanding of Manhattan’s historic drainage systems. We even reached way back and reviewed 1865 Egbert Map of the Underground Waterways of New York City for answers.
The Real Cause: A Centuries-Old Drainage Pattern
The flooding wasn’t a design flaw within the home—it was a consequence of the neighborhood’s historic water flow system, set up over a hundred years ago. With the constant redevelopment, the underground waterways have been manipulated to conform with the ever-evolving landscape of the neighborhood.
Traditionally, the street’s infrastructure directed water downhill across neighboring properties. But with the recent excavation and pool installation, our client’s basement had become the lowest point on the block—the natural destination for all runoff water.
The Solution: Redirect, Don’t Patch
Rather than attempt stop-gap solutions that wouldn’t address the systemic problem, we:
· Engineered a custom drainage system that rerouted the water away from our client’s property entirely
· Coordinated with civil engineers, neighboring property owners, and city departments to establish a long-term, code-compliant solution
· Preserved the home’s structural integrity and design intent with minimal alterations
This was not just a fix—it was a permanent resolution to a problem no one else could solve.
A Testament to Tenacity
At JSM Project Management, our expertise lies not only in building and renovating exquisite properties—but in protecting them. We thrive in situations that require technical finesse, creative thinking, and relentless attention to detail.
Whether you’re renovating a landmarked townhouse or managing the unique quirks of New York’s aging infrastructure, we specialize in finding elegant solutions to the most complex challenges.
When others say it can’t be done, we make it happen.