Drainage and Walkway Restoration Project in Evanston, IL

This project in Evanston, IL combined extensive drainage improvements with concrete removal, new paver and stepper walkways, and hardscape repairs around the home. The work was designed to improve water management around the rear and south sides of the property while creating clean, functional walking paths and a new brick paver landing outside the back door.

Project Goals

• Improve drainage around the rear and south sides of the home.
• Remove deteriorated concrete and existing patio blocks.
• Create a functional landing outside the back door.
• Redirect roof runoff and surface water away from the foundation.
• Construct new walkways using large-format steppers and pea gravel.
• Improve access and appearance around the property.
• Repair damaged existing bluestone.
• Concrete and Patio Removal

Existing patio blocks and concrete surfaces were removed and disposed of to prepare the property for the new drainage and walkway improvements.

This included removing the existing patio blocks at the southwest corner of the house, the approximately 4′ x 17′ concrete walk, the 3′ x 5′ concrete area near the back door, and approximately 49 linear feet of concrete walk along the south side of the home.

An additional 11 feet of concrete was removed from the east side of the back driveway to make room for new steppers.

Rear Entry Paver Landing

A new approximately 3′ x 5′ brick paver landing was installed outside the back door to create a finished and functional entrance area.

A channel drain was incorporated into the landing to collect surface water before it could accumulate near the entrance and foundation.

Drainage System Installation

Multiple downspouts near the rear entry were connected into a coordinated solid PVC drainage system designed to collect and convey roof runoff away from the home.

The channel drain was connected to a separate solid PVC drainage line to capture surface water from the landing area.

Approximately 140 linear feet of solid PVC drainage piping was installed to transport collected roof runoff and surface water toward designated discharge locations away from the home.

The completed drainage system helps reduce pooling around the rear entry and improves water management along the foundation.

New South-Side Walkways

Approximately 50 feet of steel edging was installed to define the new walkway areas along the south side of the house.

The southwest corner walkway was designed to be approximately 3 feet wide, while the south-side walkway was designed to be approximately 2 feet wide.

A total of 42 24″ x 24″ steppers was installed to create the new walking paths.

Approximately 1 yard of pea gravel was placed between the house and steel edging to create a clean, finished surface surrounding the steppers.

Bluestone Repair

One large broken bluestone piece near the left side of the front door was repaired using existing bluestone material, helping preserve the existing hardscape while restoring the damaged area.

Why Drainage and Walkway Improvements Matter

Effective drainage is essential for protecting foundations, walkways, and surrounding landscape areas from excessive water accumulation.

By combining underground drainage piping, a channel drain, improved discharge locations, and properly defined walking surfaces, this project addresses water management while also improving accessibility and the overall appearance of the property.

Project Highlights

• Removal and disposal of existing patio blocks.
• Removal of deteriorated concrete walks.
• New 3′ x 5′ brick paver landing.
• Channel drain installation at the rear entry.
• Downspout drainage connections.
• Approximately 140 linear feet of solid PVC drainage piping.
• New designated drainage discharge locations.
• Approximately 50 feet of steel edging.
• New 3-foot-wide southwest walkway.
• New 2-foot-wide south-side walkway.
• Installation of 42 24″ x 24″ steppers.
• Approximately 1 yard of pea gravel.
• Removal of concrete along the back driveway.
• New steppers at the driveway area.
• Repair of large broken bluestone.

As you browse through the photos, you will see the concrete and patio removal, drainage installation, new paver landing, PVC piping, steel edging, stepper walkways, pea gravel installation, and bluestone repair as the project came together.

The result is a more functional and attractive property in Evanston, IL, with improved drainage around the home, a new rear entry landing, defined walking paths, and restored hardscape areas designed for long-term performance.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.