The American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) held its 2023 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala this week, celebrating the most impactful engineering projects of the year. Often called "The Academy Awards of the Engineering World," awards are given to engineering achievements that demonstrate the highest degree of merit and ingenuity. VHB is proud to be recognized with a Silver Award for Boston Properties’ 325 Main Street project and a Bronze Award for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)’s Spy Pond Dredge and Stormwater Improvements project.
325 Main Street (Google HQ)
Boston Properties’ 325 Main Street in Cambridge is a 16-story, 340,000-square-foot office building which is leased by Google. A newly constructed staircase at 325 Main Street, now leads the public from the heart of Kendall Square to a revitalized space atop the newly designed Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) headhouse, then continues up to the building’s Kendall Square Roof Garden—a key factor in improving public connectivity to this mixed-use redevelopment. VHB provided site/civil design and engineering services, including conceptual design and construction documents. The VHB team maximized the development potential of the site by designing and permitting stormwater treatment units within the building, which contributed to the building’s targeted LEED Gold certification status. The project team also worked with the City of Cambridge to permit parking for 150-plus bicycles on site—a unique and attractive feature for an urban office location.
MassDOT’s Spy Pond Dredge and Stormwater Improvements
MassDOT’s Spy Pond Dredge and Stormwater Improvements project in Arlington, MA, consisted of a feasibility study and subsequent design and permitting to dredge 625 cubic yards of contaminated sediment and upgrade the drainage system that discharges to Spy Pond, which ultimately restored recreational access to the southwestern portion of the pond. VHB completed a preliminary dredging evaluation, obtained six environmental permits, and developed innovative design methods to overcome obstacles on site, including limited access to the shoreline, endangered grass along the shore, contaminated sediment, presence of a shallow gas pipeline, and minimal laydown area for dewatering.
Congratulations to all winners!