Geneva’s third tier parking deck expansion has been selected as a “Project of the Year” by the American Public Works Association Fox Valley Branch (APWA).

The City won in the Structures Category for projects less than $5 million. The APWA branch award was based off safety performance, environmental impact, community relations, accomplishments under adverse conditions and quality control/construction innovations brought to the project.

“The parking deck expansion is a great example of several government agencies working together to resolve a problem before the public was inconvenienced,” Geneva Public Works Director Rich Babica said. “The additional parking spaces will compensate for the anticipated loss of existing commuter lots when Union Pacific’s third main rail project is constructed.”

The City oversaw construction of the $4.5 million parking deck tier that began in August 2014 and was funded entirely by grants through Metra. Before the structure was shut down for six months, the City conducted extensive communications outreach to inform commuters of the project and temporary parking plan.

Anticipating the inconvenience of the deck closure, the City secured two temporary parking locations through an intergovernmental agreement with the Geneva Park District and a lease deal with the First Baptist Church of Geneva. The City then worked with Pace Bus to provide a shuttle service running between those parking lots and the Geneva Metra Station during rush hours.

The deck’s first two levels reopened in February. Even with the bulk of construction taking place during the winter, the third tier was completed ahead of schedule in May without any major safety incidents thanks to collaboration from the City, Metra, Union Pacific Railroad and the construction contractor.

The Third Street Commuter Parking Deck’s capacity officially increased by 176 spaces, bringing the overall total to 498. Additional improvements also were made to the existing garage levels to enhance lighting, signage and drainage.

Geneva’s Public Works team will receive the award Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the APWA Fox Valley Branch’s meeting in Aurora. The Branch also will be submitting Geneva’s parking deck project for award consideration at the APWA Chicago Chapter level.

The APWA is an international educational and professional association of public agencies, private sector companies and individuals dedicated to providing quality public works goods and services. The Chicago Chapter is comprised of 1,500 members in five branches throughout the region.