Two Benesch Projects Make ENR’s 2016 “Best of the Best” List

Two unique and innovative projects in which Benesch played a key role have been recognized on ENR Magazine’s ‘Best of the Best 2016’ project ranking list, including the Blue Plains Tunnel in Washington, D.C. and the Polk Penguin Conservation Center in Detroit, MI.

The first phase of the massive Blue Plains Tunnel project earned Project of the Year accolades. This $319 million tunnel endeavor is a major piece of a 25-year, $2.6 billion program that aims to end the persistent flooding of the District of the Columbia’s 61-square-mile watershed from the city’s Combined-Sewer Overflow (CSO) system. As a subconsultant to Jacobs Associates, Benesch provided design and construction services including project management support; field investigations; utility coordination; conceptual design including packaging of design/build contracts; and more.

The $29 million Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a popular attraction at the Detroit Zoo, is the largest facility of its kind in the world, featuring a 326,000 waterproofed tank that is home to 80 penguins. As a subconsultant to architect Albert Khan Associates, Benesch provided design and construction services for the demolition and clearing of the 1.7-acre site; relocation of watermain, utilities and an existing stream; new sanitary and storm sewer; relocated water service; and permeable pavement design for a new parking lot.