The 1997 Red River Flood was a "record" flood in Fargo, ND. The temporary earthen dikes and sandbags failed, causing millions of dollars in damage, including $3.5 million to Oak Grove Lutheran High School. The public spent an estimated $7 million on restoration and flood protection, and $20 million on improvements.

The city acquired 30 houses in the flooded neighborhood and considered acquiring the Oak Grove Lutheran High School because of the extent of its damage. But rather than relocate the entire school to another location, city officials hired a local architect to design a flood protection system, including flood barrier access points to the school. The city then invested in the Invisible Flood Control Wall™ to protect those five access points from the Red River during flood intervals.