Chevalle Residential Community – Chaska, MN

The Challenge

Chevalle was a large-scale residential development built around existing wetlands and a natural lakefront. The project required a thoughtful civil design approach that could deliver new infrastructure while preserving the site's natural beauty. Key challenges included complex grading, integration of stormwater ponds, utility service across rolling terrain, and coordination with environmental and city agencies.

Civil Engineering Contributions

• Grading and Earthwork Design: Designed grading plans that respected the natural topography, minimized disturbance to existing vegetation, and shaped lots to preserve views and provide walkout basement opportunities.

• Stormwater Management Strategy: Developed a multi-pond stormwater system that controlled runoff, enhanced water quality, and complemented the aesthetic value of the neighborhood. Water features were integrated into the open space system.

• Utility Planning Across Challenging Terrain: Designed sanitary sewer, water, and storm systems across varied elevations. Special attention was given to lift station placement, utility crossings, and minimizing deep utility runs.

• Street and Access Layout: Roadway alignments were designed to follow the site’s natural contours while providing access to all lots and creating logical neighborhood circulation.

• Environmental and City Coordination: Worked with the City of Chaska and environmental agencies to ensure the development met wetland setback and protection requirements, while also satisfying city infrastructure standards and permitting processes.

The Outcome

• Award-Winning Neighborhood Aesthetic: The civil layout helped create a picturesque, high-value neighborhood that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

• Sustainable Stormwater System: The pond and drainage network protected downstream water quality and provided long-term function with low maintenance.

• Successful Infrastructure Delivery: The engineering work supported the phased buildout of the neighborhood and aligned with both regulatory and developer goals.