Community Residential Resource Center (CRRC) Development embarked on this project to deliver a purpose-built, new building that provides employment, education and temporary housing programs for families in need of shelter. Due to bulk and height limitations, early plans called for a full basement to accommodate building services in order to free up program space in the above-grade levels. However, the proximity to the Bronx River and a high water table at the site had the potential of costing the client a substantial amount of money in dewatering and waterproofing, as well as significant schedule impacts. In order to mitigate these concerns, Envoie organized a series of workshops that included dewatering experts, general contractors, geotechnical and environmental engineers, and cost estimators. The group was tasked with evaluating site conditions and outlining the risks and values associated with moving forward with the proposed basement. As a result of this analysis, the client was able to make an informed decision, eventually opting to eliminate the basement, saving a significant amount in dewatering, soil disposal and potential schedule delay costs.