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UCANE Members Receive Project Honors: WES Construction Corp. and Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. Awarded 2021 “Climate Change Project of the Year”
UCANE Members Receive Project Honors
WES Construction Corp. and Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. Awarded 2021 “Climate Change Project of the Year”
The Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) annually recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding projects and accomplishments in the areas of environmental management, energy resources and management, and climate change. This year’s gala event to present project awards was held on June 16, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Boston’s waterfront.
The 2021 EBC Award for “Climate Change Project of the Year” was awarded to the Langone Park & Puopolo Playground Reconstruction Project located in Boston’s North End. Managed by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, this 4.5 acre site runs along Commercial Street and has been dedicated to public recreation since 1893. The project is proof of the City of Boston’s commitment to the concept of Climate Resilient Design and serves as a precursor for future development in many parts of the City.
Over the years, storm tides have taken their toll on the North End site, but in 1919 the public park took an unusual hit. That year a 50’ tall x 90’ diameter molasses storage tank collapsed at the Purity Distilling Company, located across the street from the park. This resulted in what became known as The Great Molasses Flood, as a 25’ high wave of molasses cascaded down Commercial Street, across the park and into the harbor. The disaster killed 21 people and injured 150.
Early sitework at Langone Park looking from Commercial Street Seawall enhancements along the waterfront
General Contractor Award - WES Construction Corp.
WES Construction Corp. broke ground on the $13.1 million project in July 2019. WES was tasked with transforming an often flooded and unusable site into a multipurpose complex that has many uses for the residents of Boston, as well as visitors to enjoy. After several construction delays caused by COVID-19, the project was turned over to the City in early 2021, with a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony by former Mayor Marty Walsh.
Site work included demolition and raising the elevation of the entire site by 3 feet to withstand storm surges. Upgrades to the existing drainage system and seawall improvements were extensive. On the harbor side a new canto-levered Harbor Walk supported by micro-piles was installed creating a picturesque spot at the mouth of the Charles River to view all the activity in the harbor. Surface work included family friendly playground areas, multiple sports fields with both natural and synthetic turfs, and basketball and bocce courts. Fan seating, fencing, and extensive flood resistant lighting throughout the complex make this park a safe and functional gem.
Accepting the EBC award for WES Construction Corp., Executive Mike Christian said, “Our company is honored to receive this award, and we want to acknowledge our Project Manager Neil Schwartz and Superintendent Peter Doyle for their outstanding work on this complicated project. We also want to credit our team of union operators and laborers for helping make this a signature project for our company.” Design Engineer Award -
Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc.
The coastal project was designed by Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. of Reading, Mass. It is the first project in the City of Boston to be designed with climate resiliency the key element and embedded throughout. The design intent was to protect not only the park and its shoreline, but the surrounding neighborhood, and other public assets from projected sea level rise and severe storm events. The result is a beautiful and distinctive park and sports field complex complete with a boardwalk promenade providing water access and Boston Harbor views for all to enjoy.
Weston & Sampson is very proud to have worked with such a talented group of people, both with the City and the rest of our team,” stated Weston & Sampson’s project manager Brandon Kunkel.
This year’s EBC awards were presented by many prominent names in the Environmental Community including MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg and Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Bethany Card. n Foundation work below new harbor walk deck
Completed Langone Park & Puopolo Playground, North End, Boston 2022
Completed promenade decking along Boston’s inner harbor
