City Receives "Public Works Project of the Year" Award

On Tuesday, January 11, the City of St. Charles received the “Public Works Project of the Year” award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the St. Charles Municipal Center River Wall and Plaza project in the Historic Restoration/Preservation category for projects less than $5 million. Mayor Don DeWitte, City Administrator Brian Townsend, Public Works Director Mark Koenen, and Engineering Division Manager James Bernahl were on hand to receive this prestigious award.

“I commend James Bernahl, Russell Colby, and Mark Koenen for their efforts in managing this elaborate and multi-faceted historic project. The project has restored the wall and plaza to its 1940s glory and will serve as an attractive community asset for decades to come,” said Mayor Don DeWitte.

The original river wall and plaza was constructed about 70 years ago.  The plaza had been renovated about 30 years ago, but the wall was in need of replacement due to serious deterioration.  The $4 million project was undertaken to rehabilitate and restore the wall to its original splendor. The project also addressed structural deficiencies and deterioration that had occurred through the years. According to Mark Koenen, Director of Public Works, the restoration of the wall and Lester and Dellora Norris Family Memorial Plaza “was completed consistent with the goals of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission and respects the National Historic Trust designation for the Municipal Center”.    

The project will now be nominated for the APWA Chicago Metropolitan Chapter award in the same category. If successful at this level, the project will be submitted for the nationwide competition.