MONETT -- Flooding is a problem that's plagued downtown Monett for 120 years.

Now, a group of Drury University architecture students are proposing a solution that could also help revitalize the growing Ozarks town.

It's a collaborative, but unique long-term effort, between a city that has fought flooding for decades, and savvy students working through their architect program.  But everyone involved agrees that before Monett can redesign itself, it has to deal with downtown flooding.

The rushing water that flows through downtown after a heavy rain can be destructive to businesses and deadly to residents.  Last March, a 19-year-old boy was swept away by flooding waters.

"After this many years of flooding, something major is going to have to be done about it," said City Administrator Dennis Pyle.

And it may just take a group of university students to do something about it.  These Drury students have drawn up a 20-year plan to modernize Monett's downtown, including new streetscapes and a more visible entrance to the city.

But the clear lynchpin to the plan's success is solving the flooding problem.

"Until they get control of that floodplain, there's going to be some difficulty with renewal," said Drury University director of community studies Jay Garrott.

After months of research, the students are recommending removing much of the pavement, homes and businesses south of Broadway Street and lowering the elevation.

"Actually opening up and maybe excavating out some of this area," explained Jeff Barber of University of Missouri Extension.

A large portion of that land would be transformed into a park that could absorb and retain much of the water that piles up in the city's channel, and often pours into businesses.

"Many of the businesses, their products are becoming ruined when the water comes into the buildings," said Drury student Ann Pinkham.

"Just like if you took a bucket, that same amount of water spilled on the floor, it only stands up so high. It can't even achieve height," said Barber to try to illustrate the plan's goal.

It is an ambitious effort that city leaders and the Monett community seem to be taking seriously.  But it would take time -- possible ten years or more -- and lots of money -- potentially millions of dollars and government assistance to pull off.

"I know some of the people in the city have looked at it in the past to mitigate some of the flooding downtown, and it has come with a very high price tag," said Administrator Pyle.

Still, continuing to do nothing may be even a higher price for a city with growth potential, and the students invested in its future.

"Many made comments like, 'this could be 30 years, like that's a really long time, we kind of want to see it now.' That makes you feel warm inside," said Pinkham.

After working since January, students made their final recommendations to city leaders on Tuesday.  Now the council will consider what ideas to embrace, and how fast to move on them.

Drury University's Center for Community Studies has worked with other cities such as Lamar and Webb City on similar projects.  The MU Extension helps continue follow-through with the projects when the students move on.

"We prepared communities so they can apply for that funding and they can go to an architecture or planning firm and tell them what they want for their community," said Garrott.

He said the work also allows the students to make connections and gain real-life experience outside the classroom.

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