Geneva’s third tier parking deck expansion has earned its second “Project of the Year” award from the American Public Works Association (APWA), this time from the Chicago Metro Chapter.
The City won in the Structures Category for projects less than $5 million. The APWA chapter award was based off safety performance, environmental impact, community relations, accomplishments under adverse conditions and quality control/construction innovations brought to the project. The honor was presented to Geneva during the APWA Chicago Metro Chapter awards luncheon March 18 in Addison. The Chapter is comprised of 1,500 members in five branches throughout the region.
“Being recognized by your peers in the Public Works industry is always a very rewarding experience,” Public Works Director Rich Babica said. “Geneva’s parking deck expansion improved commuter accessibility to public transportation and minimized the environmental impact in the downtown, which were two key points of judging criteria at the regional level.”
After winning the APWA “Project of the Year” award at the Fox Valley branch level and Chicago Metro Chapter, Geneva’s parking deck project now moves on to the APWA national competition in Minneapolis this summer.
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 2015. Even with the bulk of construction taking place during the winter, the third tier was completed ahead of schedule last 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.
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.