Awards Honor Public Works Accomplishments in Troy, Saratoga Springs and Albany
The Capital New York Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has awarded CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) three 2020 Project of the Year Awards across multiple categories. CHA's award-winning projects—the City of Troy Seawall Stabilization, Roosevelt II Bathhouse, and Albany International Airport Parking Garage—were recognized at the Capital Branch APWA Virtual Awards Banquet on Friday, February 19, 2021.
The City of Troy Seawall Stabilization was named Public Works Project of the Year in the Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair ($5 Million, but less than $25 Million) Category. Roosevelt II Bathhouse received its Public Works Project of the Year Award in the Historical Restoration/Preservation (Less than $5 Million) Category. The Albany International Airport Parking Garage was awarded Public Works Project of the Year in the Structures ($25 Million - $75 Million) Category.
The APWA Capital Branch Awards Program celebrates the Capital District's extraordinary public works projects—physical structures and facilities developed, owned, and maintained by public agencies to house government functions and provide public services. APWA selects award-winners based on technology or management innovations, safety performance, environmental considerations, community relations, and accomplishments under adverse conditions. Informative videos (featured below) on the three winning projects were developed by CHA and presented at the Capital Branch APWA Virtual Awards Banquet.
City of Troy Seawall Stabilization
APWA Capital New York, Public Works Project of the Year – Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair ($5 Million, but less than $25 Million)
The City of Troy, New York, urgently needed to address the rehabilitation of its 95-year-old concrete seawall along the banks of the Hudson River due to damage from Hurricane Irene. Stabilization was essential, with the recommended solution being a hardened seawall. Rehabilitation, however, presented many significant challenges, including performing most construction activities from barges in a tidal river environment and working within a very narrow footprint. The hardened seawall provides an aesthetically pleasing view with enhanced river access and protects a significant county wastewater interceptor sewer while providing essential flood protection to the City of Troy's thriving downtown commercial district.
Roosevelt II Bathhouse
APWA Capital New York, Public Works Project of the Year – Historical Restoration/Preservation (Less than $5 Million)
First opened in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the iconic Georgian Revival?style Roosevelt II Bathhouse had been closed since the late 1980s after falling into disuse. The renovation was part of a plan to make the building a center for arts and wellness. Funded through Governor Andrew Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative, the bathhouse's historic lobby has been restored; new restrooms installed; new heating, ventilation, and plumbing systems added; toxic asbestos removed; and programming space developed. This restoration represents the significant investment that will ensure Saratoga Spa State Park remains a treasure of the New York State Park System.
Albany International Airport Parking Garage
APWA Capital New York, Public Works Project of the Year – Structures ($25 Million - $75 Million)
Parking demand at the Albany International Airport, especially for covered spaces close to the terminal, was strong, and at peak periods, significantly exceeded capacity. The Albany County Airport Authority (ACAA) took this opportunity to expand parking in a way that would enhance the traveler experience and reshape the way drivers arrive at the airport with a new five-level precast concrete parking garage connected to the terminal. Completed on budget and within the client's aggressive 18-month schedule, the Albany International Airport Parking Garage provides 1,050 urgently needed covered parking spaces while incorporating innovative wayfinding and energy-efficient lighting systems.