Allram Lumber Company, a locally owned full-service lumber yard and building materials center based in Prairie View, Wisconsin, is expanding to meet growing demand with a new location in Rice Lake. To support this expansion, Allram partnered with KL Engineering, Inc. for key project components, including surveying, site design, and lighting design.
A central priority for the client was maintaining clear separation between the office area and the gravel storage yard. KL Engineering designed the site to accommodate this need, incorporating distinct entrances with no internal connection between the two areas. The storage yard includes secure perimeter fencing and gated access to enhance safety and operational control.
The new building includes drive-through loading capabilities, which required careful analysis of turning movements to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Stormwater Design Challenges and Solutions
Stormwater management posed several challenges. Although regional ponding was available, the site’s impervious surface had to remain below the design threshold. Additionally, the existing storm sewer infrastructure posed limitations. The manhole elevation in the street was higher than the site’s low point, and the outlet pipe was undersized for the expected runoff. KL Engineering collaborated with the City to develop an effective solution: grading an overflow swale from the site to the regional pond, ensuring proper stormwater conveyance and treatment.
