Apparently, when the properties were redeveloped, those in charge chose to make the lower level into garages, with the main floor on the upper level. They then cut down the level of the front yard, which is now a solid stone wall without windows or doors. By elevating the entry walk,essentially above the newly dug moat, if the front yard were also flooded, the water might not get so high as to flood the upper level. Also, one could park on the street and still get in the house. If flood waters were to come up overnight, you could still get out of the house without having to go into deep water. The lovely roof deck also makes for a practical escape site for a pickup either by boat or chopper.

It seems like a sensible solution for a problematic piece of land. BTW, that’s a humdinger of a living room area rug, even before they put it down at a sharp angle.