This homeowner suffered repeated flooding from the DesPlaines River. They decided to construct a concrete wall around the entire house to protect it from rising flood waters. The flood wall extended 12” above the flood elevation. The wall in front of the garage door is typically in the down position, as shown in the picture but can be raised with a winch if a flood is coming. On the water side of the house, there is a smaller cap into which a sliding gate is dropped.
City of Des Plaines Guide to New Construction in Flood Hazard Areas