Colliers Engineering & Design, a national multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting firm, is humbled and proud to announce that its West River Wall Improvements at The North Star Commons project has been awarded the 2023 Structures Project of the Year Award by the Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association. The award acknowledges outstanding collaboration among managing agencies, engineers, and contractors, celebrating creativity, ingenuity, and efficiency in delivering impactful public works projects. Colliers Engineering & Design was the engineer-of-record for the design of the project.

“We’re thrilled to accept this award for the West River Wall Improvements at The North Star Commons,” shared Anthony Borrelli, PE, Regional Discipline Leader, Bridges & Structures for Colliers Engineering & Design. “This project embodies our community-driven vision, blending resilient flood protection with a vibrant riverfront park design.  It’s a project that took an incredible amount of effort and collaboration amongst the design and construction teams, stakeholders and the community. We are thankful to the City of Rochester for this opportunity to help re-imagine their city center riverfront!”

The West River Wall Improvements at The North Star Commons are a significant transformation, restoring flood protection to the Corn Hill neighborhood while creating an appealing riverfront park. As part of the City of Rochester’s larger ROC the Riverway initiative, this collaborative project successfully blends enhanced flood protection for residents with a unique trail experience, reconnecting the community to the Genesee River.

Overcoming historical challenges, such as the impact of the post Erie Canal industrial development, and site decline, the project rehabilitated floodwalls, reconstructed the popular Genesee Riverway Trail, and introduced amenities including a riverfront plaza, ADA-compliant boat launch, naturalized shoreline, and improved safety measures for pedestrians and bicyclists. This multifaceted initiative not only addresses critical infrastructure needs but also aligns with broader goals of promoting healthy living, sustainable practices, and better connections to the riverfront and Genesee Riverway Trail.

This award was presented on January 25, 2024, at the APWA Awards Banquet.