Village of Newberry ‘Streetscape’ Project
Location
Newberry, Michigan
Client
Village of Newberry
Services provided
Concept renderings
Construction management
Construction monitoring
Exploration/field testing
Geotechnical engineering
Hydraulics/hydrology
Pavement engineering/analysis
Permitting
Site assessment
Storm water management
Surveying
Project overview
The Village of Newberry (Village) is located along a heavily traveled corridor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Faced with an aging infrastructure and a desire to improve downtown aesthetics, the Village needed a multi-phased project to upgrade utilities, improve pavement and refurbish the downtown streetscape. Funding posed a major challenge as total project costs were estimated in excess of $2 million.
Approach
STS worked with the Village to develop a specific project scope and evaluate funding options. Through the partnership, STS garnered alternative funding through the Michigan Department of Transportation Trunkline and Enhancement Funding, Michigan Community Development Block Funding, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Luce County Economic Development Commission and the Village of Newberry Water and Light.
The five-phased project included a total reconstruction of utilities, road and landscape through three blocks of urban thoroughfare. Civil engineering provided new storm sewer and sanitary sewer replacement and upgrade, water main upgrade, water and sewer laterals, sand sub-base, aggregate base and bituminous surface in a “right-of-way” area. STS planned new sidewalks, trees, lighting, colored concrete and electrical conduit and wiring. STS also delivered architectural services including preliminary concept renderings of the proposed streetscape and landscape design, color coordination and final streetscape planning.
Client benefits
- STS’ knowledge of alternative funding sources and solid relationships with government and municipal agencies allowed for this significant construction project to be completed at minimal cost to the client. The Village financed just 25 percent of the project out-of-pocket.
- The Village is now modernized with reliable utilities and infrastructure. These improvements helped stimulate economic growth in the region by creating more attractive commercial real estate. Additionally, businesses and the community have a modern, attractive thoroughfare that improves marketability for the thriving tourism industry.
- STS’ broad range of service areas provided the Village with a sole source for all engineering services, improving efficiency, expediting the rate of progress and optimizing the final project costs.
