Atop the Portage Escarpment

Excavation Contractors in Cleveland Heights, OH

A 1920s streetcar suburb on high ground, split among three brook watersheds.

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Excavation Contractors in Cleveland Heights, OH

High Ground, Old Houses

Excavation contractors in Cleveland Heights work on top of the Portage Escarpment, the step in the land that separates the lake plain from the plateau. The city sits at about 942 feet, close to 400 feet above Lake Erie. It grew from 15,236 residents in 1920 to 50,945 in 1930 as streetcars made it practical to live this far from downtown, and the 2020 census counted 45,312 people and 22,270 housing units on about 8 square miles.

Three brook watersheds

Cleveland Heights drains to Doan Brook, Dugway Brook and Nine Mile Creek, and about half the city lies in the Dugway Brook watershed. Many streets follow the rolling ground those brooks carved. On sloping lots, water from the uphill neighbor often ends up against the downhill house, so curtain drains and regrading are frequent jobs.

1920s construction

A house built in the 1920s boom is now roughly a century old. Expect clay sewer laterals, original footing drains that may be crushed or clogged, and foundation backfill that has settled. Exterior foundation dig-outs for waterproofing are common, and on these lots they often run along a driveway or close to a neighbor, so we dig in sections and protect what is next to the trench.

Historic districts

The Euclid Golf Allotment is on the National Register, and the Stadium Square Historic District holds Tudor Revival homes. Work in historic areas can involve extra review for visible changes like new garages or grading at the street, which we check before scheduling.

Common jobs

Exterior basement wall excavation
Curtain drains on sloping yards
Sewer lateral replacement
Garage replacement pads

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What to Know in Cleveland Heights

Escarpment. Cleveland Heights sits atop the Portage Escarpment at an elevation of about 942 feet.
Watersheds. The city drains to Doan Brook, Dugway Brook and Nine Mile Creek, with about 50 percent in the Dugway Brook watershed.
1920s boom. Population grew from 15,236 in 1920 to 50,945 in 1930; the 2020 census counted 45,312 residents and 22,270 housing units.
Historic districts. The Euclid Golf Allotment was added to the National Register in 2002; Stadium Square holds 1920s Tudor Revival homes.

Lot Grading & Site Work in Cleveland, OH

Our Services in Cleveland Heights, OH

Cleveland Heights Questions

Why is my basement wet when I live on a hill?

Water from uphill lots and roofs flows down through the soil and along the surface. On these slopes a curtain drain above the house often intercepts it.

Can you dig along my foundation next to the driveway?

Yes. We dig in sections, support the trench and protect the driveway so a waterproofing crew can reach the wall.

Are 1920s footing drains still working?

Many are clogged or crushed after a century. A dig-out lets us see and replace them.

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