The Planters of 14th and Main

They've been called bunkers, trenches, and a number of other colorful names, but the mysterious sidewalk objects of 14th and Main streets are just another way the city is turning green. These are bioretention planters and are essential in low-impact sustainable design.

Bioretention planters are designed to filter pollutants from rainwater runoff as well as provide ample room from greenery in cityscapes.  

As rainwater flows through the sidewalks and city streets it picks up a variety of contaminants along the way, which can cause harm to the James River system. These bioretention planters are designed to reduce the amount of pollutants from rainwater runoff through a sustainable filtration system. 

These planters didn't look empty for long. During the spring and summer of 2012, a variety of plant life filled them to the brim, which not only added aesthetics and filtration, but kept pedestrians from a misplaced step!