Downtown Newark, OH Revitalization Project Recognized for Excellence by ACEC Ohio
OHM Advisors garners award for innovative approach transforming a public infrastructure project into a community advancement opportunity
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio awarded OHM Advisors and project partner Arcadis an Honor Award recognizing the Downtown Newark, Ohio Revitalization Project at its March 8, 2018 Engineering Excellence Awards luncheon. This award is particularly momentous, as it marks the first award bestowed by ACEC Ohio in the firm's history.
ACEC Ohio’s statewide competition, widely acclaimed within the industry as “the Academy Awards of the engineering industry”, honors the year’s most outstanding engineering accomplishments. Entrants are judged based on innovation, value to the engineering profession, social and economic considerations, complexity and successful fulfillment of client needs.
The Downtown Newark Revitalization Project began as a multi-million dollar sewer separation, driven by a federal Environmental Protection Agency mandate to reduce combined sewer overflows. Taking a holistic approach, the project team capitalized on the underground infrastructure improvements to upgrade the above ground infrastructure and re-think the entire downtown environment.
A downtown planning and visioning process identified a number of opportunities that resulted in improvement of the downtown transportation network while simultaneously elevating the economic development climate and improving the urban aesthetic of the historic town square.
Downtown Newark now offers expansive sidewalks, sustainable infrastructure, straightforward two-way traffic patterns and easy-to-navigate mini roundabouts at the four corners of the courthouse square that help to calm traffic.
The project involved extensive public outreach and community engagement, which has contributed to its positive reception and impact. Since the project commenced in 2014 (completing in July 2017), Newark’s urban center has experienced tremendous gains in population, jobs, downtown living, and economic-generating activities—all quality of life advancements positively impacting not only the downtown core, but the entire city and broader metropolitan region. The downtown area is flourishing, with local shops reporting an increase in business and foot traffic.
About OHM Advisors:
OHM Advisors is the community advancement firm. Founded in 1962, we deliver award-winning work across the architecture, engineering, and planning spheres. With more than 500 employees in offices throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Tennessee, our team partners with leaders at all levels of government, school districts, developers, universities, and private companies to create great places.