Roosevelt Park Receives 2025 ACEC Michigan Engineering Excellence Award

Aerial photo of Roosevelt Park with the Detroit skyline in the background.

Numerous accolades for the transformation and unification of an iconic Detroit landmark

On March 8, 2025, at the 60th annual ACEC Michigan Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the American Council of Engineering Companies presented OHM Advisors and the City of Detroit with the following honors for the Roosevelt Park Transformation and Unification project:

Honorable Conceptor Award
People's Choice Award
Board Design Award

Originally built in 1913 as the doorstep for travelers to Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, Roosevelt Park was reintroduced to the world in 2023 after decades of being underused. The reimagined Roosevelt Park, designed by OHM Advisors, is a case study for fostering engagement with community members, reconnecting neighborhoods, right-sizing infrastructure, and embracing greenspace for public use and enjoyment.

The park’s transformation included removing and rerouting a vehicular boulevard that separated the park and hampered connectivity between the surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, numerous new multipurpose and pedestrian pathways link flexible spaces, seating areas, entryways, and nearby multi-modal transportation systems. Plantings, new lighting, and sustainable stormwater management practices also enhance the design and function of the park.

A wide pedestrian oriented promenade connects Roosevelt Park to Michigan Central Station — Once oriented around vehicular traffic to the Station, Roosevelt Park now has a wide central promenade and multipurpose paths for walking and biking, as well as expansive greenspace for community use.

Multipurpose use paths connect Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central Station to the surrounding communities. — The design of Roosevelt Park prioritizes connectivity and safe circulation through the park and to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

Roosevelt Park can accommodate both large and small events — Roosevelt Park can support a variety of uses throughout the year, from small neighborhood gatherings to much larger events.

To read more about this impactful project, click here.

About ACEC and the Michigan Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards
Each year, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) recognizes engineering and surveying firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity and value. The ACEC/M Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala provides firms a venue to showcase their talent and expertise and celebrates the outstanding efforts of design professionals to improve the quality of life for all Michiganders.

About OHM Advisors
OHM Advisors is a community advancement firm designing award-winning work across the architecture, engineering, and planning spheres. Founded in 1962, we believe in the power of multidisciplinary teamwork to find ideas that aren’t just different – they are better. With offices in multiple states, our 750+ person team partners with leaders at all government levels, school districts, developers, universities, and private companies to create great places for people. 

Expertise

Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

Transportation

Planning

Water

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineering

Construction Engineering