Page 28 - 2020 February E-issue

Stantec News

Stantec’s Design for Albany Skyway Project Receives 2020 ACEC New York Diamond Award
Multi-phase project will transform an elevated interstate ramp into an
ADA-compliant linear park for recreation and neighborhood connectivity
Top ten global design firm provide a model for the
Stantec has received a design and engineering
Diamond Award in the profession of how to
American Council of address a communitys
Engineering Companies desire to repurpose
(ACEC) New York 2020 overbuilt infrastructure to
Engineering Excellence achieve public goals for
Awards for work on the greater connectivity and
Albany Skyway, a unique mobility.
infrastructure renewal
project poised to be the first As someone who grew up
elevated park in the Capital in Albany and still resides
Region of New York and in the Capital Region, it is
the first project of its kind professionally satisfying
that will convert an elevated to lead this transformative
interstate ramp into an project for the City of
ADA-compliant linear park. Albany, added Robert
Cartwright, Stantec project
Stantec provided manager and ACEC New
engineering and landscape York Eastern Region Vice
architecture design Chair. I join my neighbors
and services for the in their excitement in
transformative project, watching this project come
which will serve as a to life.
vital connection between
Albanys downtown, Arbor “It is fitting that Stantec
Hill and warehouse district has received an award for
neighborhoods, and the engineering excellence from
Hudson River waterfront on behalf of client Capitalize ACEC NY for their work on the Albany Skyway project,
Albany Corporation. The project was made possible by the said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. The community
Environmental Protection Fund from the New York State engagement and stakeholder involvement that took place
Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. in the preliminary process for this project was abundant
and vital. Bringing the vision of a downtown community
The project, recognized in the Studies, Research, and with greater connectivity and mobility to life through this
Consulting Engineering Services award category, will unique infrastructure renewal project, the first project of its
repurpose a half-mile portion of an underutilized elevated kind that will convert an elevated interstate ramp into an
interchange ramp along I-787 to create a multi-modal ADA-compliant linear park, has been exciting. The Skyway
linear park, with a landscaped promenade, bike route, will not only provide a greater quality of life in downtown
event spaces, and foot path. The conversion of this link is Albany, but will serve as a regional attraction, incentivize
informed by the Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan additional growth, and enhance sustainability. I commend
and the Corning Waterfront Park Master Plan (completed Stantec for recognizing the significance of this project and
by Stantec), as well as the City of Albanys comprehensive congratulate them on this well-deserved award.
plan, which all show demand and economic need for
increased connections between downtown and the The community feedback received and incorporated into
waterfront. Stantecs work throughout the Skyways preliminary design
and feasibility analysis process will go a long way towards
Recognition for this project by ACEC New York is a the projects ultimate success, said Capitalize Albany
testament to the impact of community engagement, for this Corporation president Sarah Reginelli. The Skyway thinks
unique transformation has grown out of public outreach about our infrastructure as an opportunity. This amenity will
and interactions with stakeholders, said Gary Sorge, serve as a regional attraction and spur additional growth.
Stantec vice president for Community Development and Beyond even this, the project takes back a portion of I-787
project principal. Stantec is committed to enhancing improving walkability and bikeability as well as enhancing
our communities by repurposing infrastructure to better sustainability.
meet today’s needs. We are confident that this project will
28 | The ROCHESTER ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2020 news from professional firms