DLZ Today

DLZ to host ADA and Your Community Seminar

Tue 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

An Informational Seminar for Governmental Agencies and Other Public Entities

When:	Wednesday, February 29, 2012 9:30AM to 4:00PM
Where:	DLZ Indiana, LLC 157 East Maryland Street Indianapolis, IN 46204
RSVP by February 22, 2012

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires that all “public entities” provide equal access to all facilities and programs to all persons, including those with disabilities.

The ADA is a complex law with a number of design guidelines and standards that are regularly updated, with new guidelines issued on a regular basis. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how the ADA affects their community, potential implications of being non-compliant, and how DLZ can help.

Who Should Attend

Planners
Elected officials
School board members
School officials
Building officials
Engineers
Human resource personnel

Please be our guest for this free, one-day informational and educational seminar at DLZ's newly renovated, and ADA-compliant, Indianapolis office. DLZ's ADA specialists will be presenting on a variety of topics throughout the day and providing you valuable information so you are aware of what is required by the law and recent initiatives to increase compliance.

Agenda

9:30	-	9:45	AM	Welcome
9:45	-	10:30	AM	ADA: The requirements of the law
10:30	-	10:45	AM	Break
10:45	-	11:30	AM	ADA guidelines, standards, and helpful information
11:30	-	12:00	PM	Questions on the morning sessions
12:00	-	1:00	PM	Lunch
1:00	-	1:30	PM	The Self-Evaluation – Architectural
1:30	-	2:15	PM	The Self-Evaluation – ROW, Site, and Parks
2:15	-	2:30	PM	Break
2:30	-	3:00	PM	The Self-Evaluation – Policies and Procedures
3:00	-	3:20	PM	Transition Plan
3:20	-	4:00	PM	Discussion Panel

DLZ Designed Main Street Bridge Featured on the Cover of Road & Bridges Magazine

Thu 8 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Designed Main Street Bridge Featured on the Cover of Road & Bridges Magazine

Columbus’ signature Main Street Bridge was featured on the cover of the November issues of Road & Bridges Magazine. The project was selected by the magazine as one of the Top 10 Bridge Projects in North America in 2011. DLZ served as the prime designer of the new bridge, HNTB Corporation was the superstructure designer, while the concept for the design was developed by Spiro Pollalis. The downtown bridge creates an iconic gateway to Ohio’s capital city and Columbus’ multi-million Scioto Mile downtown riverfront redevelopment project.

The bridge features a single rib arch designed with a unique 10 degree incline. It is the world’s first inclined arch bridge tied with cables and struts while incorporating separate pedestrian and vehicular decks.

For detailed information about the Main St Bridge, click: Main Street Bridge Replacement

For additional Information about the Roads & Bridges selection, click 2011 Top 10 Bridges - No. 6

DLZ Designed Dover Firehouse Near Completion

Wed 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Designed Dover Firehouse Near Completion

The building is at more than 80 percent completion

The project was funded 100 percent by a Community Development Block Grant for $500,000 and is the only 100 percent grant-funded project in the region.

The building should reach "substantial completion" by mid-December. When substantial completion is reached, the fire department can make the move into the new building.

Source: Maysville Online

DLZ Assists City of Valparaiso In Grant Application For $32 M New Transit Center

Mon 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ assisted the City of Valparaiso, Indiana in their application for a federal grant under the
Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER III) Discretionary Grant
program for a $32 million transit downtown.

To learn more please click below:

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/valpo-plans-m-transit-center-downtown/article_5245b361-389a-5170-803e-586ae9a793a1.html

Valpo plans $32M transit center downtown
.

John Luke | The Times
Valparaiso has applied for a $25.9 million federal grant to build a $32.3 million bus transit center at Lincolnway and Morgan Boulevard. The corner property where a Round the Clock Restaurant stands would have to be acquired for the project, which would include retail and housing components.

The city has been successful the past eight years in getting state and federal grants to help pay for many of its projects, but now it is grabbing for the big brass ring.

Valparaiso filed an application for a $25.9 million federal grant under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER III) Discretionary Grant program to pay 80 percent of the cost of redeveloping the northwest corner of Morgan Boulevard and Lincolnway into the Valparaiso Area Transit Center.

As described in the proposal submitted to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the four-story center would cost about $32.3 million. The passenger loading and unloading area for the city's bus services -- the V-Line and the ChicaGo Dash -- would be on the first level alongside retail businesses and parking. The buses would not be housed there.

The second and third levels would provide more parking for bicycles and cars and include charging stations for electric cars. It also would be the hub for Car Sharing rentals. The top level would be residential with some units set aside for the elderly or disabled who want to maintain a lifestyle without a car.

"The bus loading and unloading platforms will be located behind the retail area on the first floor in order to allow users convenient access to the shops," the application, prepared by DLZ, states. "The bus loading area also will feature a raised platform that will allow easy access for disabled persons."

Buses would enter the rear of the building off Jefferson Street and load or unload passengers without subjecting them to rain or snow. Buses then would exit onto Lincolnway through an arch in the front.

"The project will also redesign vehicular and pedestrian circulation, complete pathway/greenway linkages and upgrade existing utilities to accommodate the facility," DLZ states. "The fourth floor will utilize a unique and innovative public/private partnership to construct 20 to 24 housing units."

The plan is for the city to own the building and lease the retail space, but Redevelopment Commission Executive Director Stuart Summers said the option also is available to sell as condominium space the retail and the residential units. The parking and transit features would remain in the city's control. Summers said it would have about 2 1/2 times the existing parking on the site.

The project would require acquiring and relocating the Round the Clock restaurant, but the rest of the property needed already belongs to the city or is within the public right of way. Summers said the restaurant owner was approached about the plan by a city official.

"I understand he would be interested as long as he is treated fairly," Summers said. "There are all sorts of options for him, but we haven't discussed them with him yet. He could be relocated across the street or he could occupy space on the first level of the new building or he could go elsewhere."

The business owner could not be reached for comment.

A decision on awarding the $568 million in TIGER III grants authorized by Congress isn't expected until late January or early February. The minimum grant under the program is $10 million, but competition is fierce and the program still must survive the deficit-reduction efforts in Congress.

If it is approved, the city is pledging about $3.4 million in matching funds and expects about $3 million in private investment to account for the 20 percent local share. The city would spend 2012 doing the engineering plans and acquiring the property to be ready for construction in 2013. Construction would take about a year.

If the grant is not approved, Summers said the city would submit it again if TIGER grants are offered in the future. He said the cost probably would make it impossible to fund strictly with local public-private funding

DLZ Wins ACEC's Highest Honor, the Grand Award for the Main Street Bridge Project

Mon 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Wins ACEC's Highest Honor, the Grand Award for the Main Street Bridge Project

Posing with the ACEC Grand Award for Main Street Bridge were (from left to right) James Siebert, P.E., Senior Vice President, DLZ Ohio, Inc.; Thom Slack, Administrator, Planning and Engineering Division, ODOT District 6; Mark Kelsey, Public Service Director, City of Columbus; Richard Ortman, Project Manager, City of Columbus; Daniel O’Rorke, P.E., Senior Project Manager, DLZ Ohio Inc. and Ferzan Ahmed, P.E., Deputy Director, ODOT District 6

Two DLZ projects were honored Thursday, June 23rd at the American Council of Engineering Companies-Ohio (ACEC) 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards, including winning the biggest prize, the Grand Award for the Main Street Bridge project. DLZ’s International Gateway / FRA 670 Project was also honored and received an Outstanding Achievement Award at the event.

"DLZ deeply appreciates ACEC for recognizing our achievements and choosing us for this distinguished award and special thanks goes to the City of Columbus and its staff for selecting DLZ for such a landmark project," said Vikram ‘Raj’ Rajadhyaksha, CEO for DLZ. Adding, "It really is a testament to our staff of expert engineers that we won not one but two of these prestigious awards.”

ACEC Ohio’s annual event culminates in a celebration of the creativity and ingenuity of Ohio’s engineering companies – the Engineering Excellence Awards. Photo panels for each of the 25 projects entered in this year’s competition were on display at the event with nine finalists being named Outstanding Achievement in Engineering before the top award in the competition, the Grand Award, was given to DLZ for its Main Street Bridge project.

DLZ served as the prime designer of the new bridge, HNTB Corp. was the superstructure designer, while the concept for the design was developed by Spiro Pollalis.

This marks the 12th year of the ACEC Ohio Engineering Excellence Awards competition which recognizes engineering companies for the role they play in developing projects that exhibit a high degree of uniqueness, ingenuity and value. DLZ previously won the Grand award in 2006 for the Charleroi Locks & Dam project and is the only firm to have won the award twice.

DLZ’s two honored projects at this year’s event are:

Main Street Bridge Replacement

The City of Columbus wanted a distinctive bridge and DLZ was chosen to design the $47 million replacement for the existing Main Street Bridge over the Scioto River in Downtown Columbus. The bridge features a single rib arch designed with a unique 10 degree incline. It is the world’s first inclined arch bridge tied with cables and struts while incorporating separate pedestrian and vehicular decks.

The complex challenge was to design and engineer a bridge that was functional, handsome, expertly crafted, inviting, pedestrian-friendly, distinctive, memorable, inspiring and enduring. The 660 ft Main Street Bridge was designed to last over a century as the iconic gateway to the heart of Ohio’s capital city.

Additional photos of the Main Street Bridge are available at buildipedia.

International Gateway / FRA 670

The $44 million International Gateway project was designed to improve this vital transportation gateway to the City and Central Ohio with reduced traffic congestion and delays, easier access to the airport, and increased safety for the traveling public.

A key concern on the project was the aesthetic treatment of the project since it serves as a Gateway to the City for air passengers and first-time visitors. The combination of the new interchange, realigned International Gateway and internal circulation roadways provides more efficient access for travelers while also positioning the airport for long-term expansion and development by making room for a future terminal facility.

Congratulations to everyone involved at DLZ for these great achievements.

DLZ Rises on ENR's Top Firm Rankings

Wed 22 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was named to the Engineering News Record's Rankings for the 50 Top Program Management and Top 100 CM-for-Fee Firms.

ENR’s Top Firms List, published annually in June, ranks the largest U.S. firms, both publicly and privately held in a variety of disciplines. For more than 130 years, ENR has been the industry standard for news, information and analysis of the global construction marketplace.

To see the complete lists of Top Firms, visit ENR's website here.

DLZ's Indianapolis Program Management Project Featured on Cover of ENR

Thu 17 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The $50 million Indianapolis Department of Public Works project to provide Water Resources Program Management for the city has landed DLZ as the Cover Story of the February Issue of the Engineering News Record (ENR). For more than 130 years, ENR has been reporting news and intelligence and it is the industry standard for news, information and analysis of the global construction marketplace.

Read the online version of DLZ's cover story here.

DLZ Further Expands In Illinois

Wed 16 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ announced it opened its newest office in Joliet, Illinois to better serve the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The office will focus on Industrial services providing professional surveying, planning, and engineering support services to Private Industry, Government entities, Contractors, Developers, A/E firms, and Utilities.

"DLZ Industrial predicts a strong comeback in the construction and industrial markets in this area and is poised to react to this future demand by positioning ourselves in one of the fastest growing communities in the United States." DLZ Industrial President Kurt Schmiegel said.

DLZ Industrial’s new office is located at 80 McDonald Avenue, Unit D, Joliet, IL 60431 providing the Chicago area with a large variety of state-of-the-art equipment and can recommend and provide clients with the ideal tool for any survey project, tailoring their services to meet client needs. DLZ Industrial has been at the forefront in using technologies such as GPS, robotic total stations, 3-D High Definition Laser Scanners, hydrographic instruments, and high precision laser trackers.

“Be it professional, construction, industrial, or precision alignment/3D High Definition Scanning surveying; soils, concrete, grout, steel, or welding inspection material testing; or geotechnical or environmental drilling/engineering; or other corporate engineering/architectural services DLZ is ready to meet our southwest Chicago clients' needs and project demands,” Schmiegel added. The office will compliment DLZ’s Illinois offices in Arlington Heights and Downtown Chicago.

DLZ ranks among the top consulting firms in the architectural/engineering industry with offices throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. For more information, please contact Kurt S. Schmiegel at 815-725-8840 or info@dlz.com or visit their Web site at www.dlz.com.

DLZ Donates to Children in Need

Tue 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ employees showed their holiday spirit by raising $1605 for the Franklin County, Ohio Children Services Holiday Wish Program. The Holiday Wish Program is a personalized gift-giving program that allows youth under the care of Franklin County Children Services to receive special toys or gifts they might not otherwise receive.

DLZ Renovating Historic Downtown Indianapolis Building as Local Headquarters

Tue 30 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ is renovating a century-old building located in the historic Indianapolis Wholesale District to serve as its new offices.

The $3.3 million project with 31,000 square feet of office space more than doubles the size of DLZ's current office. DLZ will move from 14,900 square feet it leases in the Century Building where DLZ has been the last decade in addition to being a downtown renter of office space for more than 30 years.

DLZ plans to seek LEED Silver Certification with the complete overhaul of the building, including reuse of existing building materials and a water-use reduction system to help achieve that designation. DLZ is completely recasting the building’s interior making it possible to do such things as install the heating and cooling system in floors rather than ceilings, which is more energy efficient. The building also will have facilities to accommodate employees who wish to bicycle to work.

Built in 1909, DLZ’s new headquarters was originally designed by the firm Rubush & Hunter, a prominent firm at that time that also designed the Murat Centre, the Madame C.J. Walker Building and the Hilbert Circle Theater.

See the complete article at Indiana Business News here.

DLZ Contest Supports the Troops

Mon 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Special thanks to DLZ's South Bend office for sending boxes of goodies, toiletries, books, warm weather items, and much more to the troops overseas through Operation Gratitude. The office was divided into three sections for a competition on which department could fill the most boxes. The North Side won, however everyone was treated to pizza for a job well done!

DLZ Wins Best of South Bend Engineering Award for Third Year in a Row

Tue 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

For the third consecutive year, DLZ Indiana has been selected for the 2010 Best of South Bend Award in the Professional Engineers category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Nationwide, less than 1% 2010 Award recipients qualified as three-time Award Winners. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

DLZ Launches Online Application System

Tue 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ launches a new online application system for job applicants to create an account, attach their resume, check the status of their application, or update their profile at any time. This new technology is a web-based program creating an interactive database that can be viewed, searched, and sorted according to the requirements of any current or future positions that become available.

The online process saves time and effort at local offices and alleviates the burden of reviewing an overwhelming number of applications because candidates can be pre-screened automatically and ranked using specific experience criteria or work-related questions.

Additionally, the online application program enhances DLZ’s recruitment efforts by improving our web presence and increasing the number of venues to which new positions are posted.

Visit DLZ's new and improved careers application system here.

DLZ Welcomes New Employees

Tue 3 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Please welcome new hires Michael J. Smith, Civil Engineer, Indianapolis; Rajesh Malik, Operator, Burns Harbor; Vickie L. Bearman, Construction Observer; South Bend; Earl Todd Leinbach, Construction Observer Manager, South Bend; Dexter West, Intern-Construction Services, South Bend; Holly Columbia, Civil Engineer, Indianapolis; David Massura, Civil Engineer, South Bend; Christopher Poland, Civil Engineer, South Bend; Samantha Smerika, Civil Engineer, South Bend; Andrew Hanson, Civil Engineer, Burns Harbor; Adam Smelter, Intern, Arlington Heights; Mitchell Green, Intern-Administrative, Fort Wayne; Michael Smearman, Intern, Arlington Heights; Nathan Carll, Intern-Field Services, Cleveland; Brandon Sopko, Intern-Civil Engineering, Cleveland; Michael Troha, Instrument Person, Burns Harbor and Michael Stineman, Construction Observer, Cleveland.

DLZ Architecture Licensed in Ohio

Wed 9 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Architecture, Inc. is now officially licensed to practice architecture by the State of Ohio Board of Examiners of Architects. DLZ Architecture immediately replaces Stilson and Associates, Inc. in Ohio and allows a clear and seamless marketing of architectural services to clients under a single company name.

DLZ Ranked In The ENR's Program Management Top 50

Fri 23 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was named to the Engineering News Record's 50 Top Program Management Firms.

The Top 50 Progam Management for Fee list, published annually in June, ranks the 50 largest U.S. firms, both publicly and privately held, based on agency PM fees for multi-project construction programs.

To see the complete list of Top Program Management Firms, visit ENR's website.

DLZ Makes Road & Bridges Go-To List of Top Design Firms

Wed 19 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

The third annual Road & Bridges Go-To List for Design Firms contains the most recognized professionals in the industry with DLZ ranking in three categories.

Road & Bridges surveyed over 10,000 of its government official readers and asked them which firm they prefered to work with and then tallied the results to form the list (results reflect owner preference and NOT gross earnings).

DLZ made the list at #21 in the Top Road & Highway Design Firms Ranking; #23 in Top Bridge Design; and #27 in Top Mass-Transit Design.

Congratulations to DLZ and its staff!

View the complete rankings here: Top Design Firms

DLZ Opens Louisville, Kentucky Office

Wed 27 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ has expanded into a new office in Louisville, Kentucky. Located on Seventh Street in the Historic District of downtown Louisville, this newest location joins DLZ Kentucky's existing Frankfort office. Contact information for the new office is listed below:

DLZ Kentucky
101 North Seventh Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
PH: 502-753-4010
Fax: 502-561-3444

DLZ Ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top Design Firm

Fri 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ has been ranked this year on the Engineering News-Record ENR Top 500 Design Firms list at No. 121. For the complete list, vist: http://enr.construction.com/toplists/DesignFirms/001-100.asp

DLZ Designed Health Facility Receives LEED Silver Certification

Mon 13 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ provided design and construction services for a new 6,000 s.f. Health Center to support the NHBPI Tribe in its efforts to revitalize and strengthen the Tribal Community. The project, located in Fulton, Michigan, was completed in two phases utilizing federal Indian Health Services (I.H.S.) funding for interior development, and Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D.) for the building shell.

The project had to be completed and operational along a very aggressive schedule as a requirement of these federal fund sources. It was imperative to blend the building’s location, orientation, and materials with the surrounding community to achieve a timeless design that responds to the heritage of the Tribe as well as being outfitted with energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems. The project received a LEED Silver Level certification from the USGBC and is the first LEED certified building in Calhoun County.

DLZ Awarded Four-Year, $50 million Water Resources Program Management Contract

Fri 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, December 10, 2008, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works approved the renewal of a base four-year, $50 million contract with DLZ Indiana LLC to provide Water Resources Program Management for the city.

“This program is all about the mayor’s goal to make Indianapolis a better city, to spend our dollars wisely and not duplicate expenditures,” DPW Director David Sherman said. “The members of this team have bought into that goal and are calling on the right people to get the job done.”

DLZ will assist in the management and implementation of the Indianapolis Department Works (DPW) combined sewer overflow, septic tank elimination, sanitary sewer, treatment plant and stormwater programs, totaling over $800 million over the next five years, alone.

The (base) contract renewal will start January 1, 2009 and commence through December 31, 2012. The city also will have the option to extend the contract for an additional two years from 2012 to 2014 and thereafter in two-year increments. DLZ has served DPW as a program manager since 2002

“One of the things I’m proud of in this community, be it the consultants or the city staff, is that people have come up with a lot of great ideas,” DPW Director Sherman said. “What I appreciate about this team is that they have heard the word ‘change’ and reacted to change.”

DLZ will manage a team of 14 sub consultants known as the Indianapolis Clean Stream in the implementation of these programs. In addition, the team will ensure compliance with Indianapolis’ consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice and coordination with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The team also will continue to find innovative ways to help fund the program, which in the past has provided tremendous benefits in keeping sewer user rates as low as possible.

“DLZ does a really good job of managing and overseeing the program, particularly with the expertise of good value engineering,” Steve Nielsen, DPW deputy director, said. “As a private consultant before I re-joined the city, DLZ held my feet to the fire, and I know they will continue to hold others accountable as well.”

From 2009 to 2013, DPW intends to deliver approximately $830 million in sanitary and stormwater improvements. The program accounts for more than 160 “brick and mortar” type projects with nearly 500 contracts for design, construction and inspection. A number of planning-level studies and modeling studies also will be completed. Ultimately, the city and this team must deliver on an infrastructure program that will total more than $3 billion through 2025.

“The Clean Stream Team has an excellent understanding of DPW’s capital improvement program, budgeting process, document management and rate-making procedures, and is very focused on accomplishments and efficiencies,” Jay Thorne, Clean Stream Team deputy program manager, said. “We have created some of these efficiencies through value engineering, which have and will continue to save DPW millions of dollars.”

Some of the major accomplishments DLZ and the Clean Stream Team have assisted the city with and accomplished under its past contract include:
• Implemented hundreds of millions of dollars of capital projects
• Completed and secured approval of the city’s Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan
• Successfully analyzed the rate increases for 2006, 2007 and 2008 to support the implementation of the consent decree
• Successfully developed and submitted the first three consent decree reports
• Identified approximately $300 million in project savings
• Identified savings and strategies that allowed for the next series of needed rate increases to be reduced by almost 35 percent
• Developed enhancements to the DPW’s project tracking database that will dramatically increase the quality of project information
• Successfully outlined financial controls such as cash flow planning and commercial paper programs that will save the city millions on an ongoing basis
• Developed and compiled an electronic and hard-copy library of most all documents and reports produced by DPW over the last approximately 20 years

DLZ ranks 146th out of the top 500 design firms, according to Engineering News-Record. A provider of architecture and engineering services, DLZ manages projects including short-term, problem-solving investigations and long-term, multidisciplinary programs. DLZ collaborates with clients to make their visions a reality, from design planning through project completion.

Robert P. Kirkley, PE, LS promoted to President of DLZ Ohio

Tue 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ is pleased to announce Senior Vice President Robert P. Kirkley, PE, LS has been promoted to President of DLZ Ohio, Inc.

"Bob Kirkley has been instrumental in expanding the company’s growth," said Vikram ‘Raj’ Rajadhyaksha, President and Chief Executive Officer for DLZ. "Preparing the company for the future, he's demonstrated exceptional leadership."

Kirkley has been with DLZ since 1988, originally with Cole Associates, Inc., an Architectural and Engineering Services firm later acquired by DLZ, and has most recently served as Senior Vice President for DLZ Indiana. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University.

"DLZ Ohio is committed to excellence and strives to exceed expectations everyday,” states Kirkley. “In my new role as President, I plan to continue this great tradition. I am looking forward to many exciting years of growth and innovation with a company that has defined the high end of the industry."

DLZ Study Encourages Lake Erie Wind Turbines

Thu 9 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Lake Erie's wind, geology, and habitat can accommodate wind turbines as Cuyahoga County officials this week rolled out the first three reports from their $1 million study of a grand vision -- erecting two to 10 wind turbines in the lake off Cleveland's shore.

According to the findings of a study by DLZ Ohio, erecting the wind turbines and laying electrical cable may impact fish and aquatic organisms in the short term but not result in long-term problems. The ecological study focused on an area between Cuyahoga County's borders that extends five miles into the lake.

The full article can be found below and at
http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/09/first_studies_encouraging_on_l.html

First studies encouraging on Lake Erie wind turbines
by Tom Breckenridge/Plain Dealer Reporter September 30, 2008

The studies "show no deal breakers yet," said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, chairman of the Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force.

The public-private group proposes erecting the turbines as icons of an emerging alternative-energy industry for Northeast Ohio.

The pilot project -- with turbines spinning three to five miles off Cleveland -- would complement new research, testing and certification centers focused on freshwater development of wind turbines.

Case Western Reserve University would manage the research center, under the proposal.
The task force sees a job-creating niche: Offshore wind turbines don't exist on the Great Lakes, or on freshwater anywhere in the world.

"If we can be the first to get these in the lake . . . the whole industry will grow up and around our project," Mason said.

The task force hired JW Great Lakes Wind LLC to do the feasibility study. It's the American affiliate of a German company that has developed more than 50 wind farms worldwide.

Task force members emphasized that the studies released Tuesday are preliminary and will be among piles of research yet to come from the yearlong feasibility study, scheduled to finish next spring.
Wind turbines spin in the saltwater seas and oceans off a half dozen European countries, so engineering wouldn't appear to be a hurdle here, wind advocates said.

But the task force wants to know the environmental and regulatory challenges, as well as the cost.
It will be expensive. The task force envisions a pilot project generating from 5 to 20 megawatts, with one estimate putting the cost at $3 million per megawatt. That's twice the cost of developing wind power on land.

Offshore turbines can be more productive, however, because of higher wind speed over water.
One megawatt is a million watts. The task force said a 2-megawatt turbine could power about 450 homes.

The studies released Tuesday focused on:

• Wind speeds. Winds average 16.4 mph at one site on the lake, indicating an "excellent resource" for power generation, according to the JW Great Lakes Wind report.

They studied two years' worth of data from a wind gauge 165 feet above Lake Erie, at the Cleveland Division of Water's intake crib. That's 3.5 miles off downtown Cleveland, near where turbines could be erected.

The hub of the proposed wind turbine would tower 260 feet or more above the lake, where winds would be even stronger, officials said.

JW Great Lakes' findings at the intake crib are similar to those of Green Energy Ohio, which released a report earlier this year.

Both reports questioned wind-shear readings. So the Cleveland Foundation has committed $200,000 to do more testing, this time with lasers.

The money will be used for a sonar analysis of icing at the crib. And CWRU will install a device to measure ice stress.

• Lake habitat. Erecting the wind turbines and laying electrical cable could impact fish and aquatic organisms but not result in long-term problems, according to the study by DLZ Ohio Inc., a subcontractor to JW Great Lakes.

The ecological study focused on an area between Cuyahoga County's borders that extends five miles into the lake.

Excavating the lake bottom could smother some organisms. Laying electrical cable could result in electromagnetic disruption of fish feeding or migrating, the report said.

Turbine noise and vibration could disturb fish, the study said. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources also cautioned that federal rules might require security zones around the towers, diverting recreational fishing and boating. The study did not include impacts on birds, the subject of an upcoming study.

• Geology. The best site geologically might be west of downtown, because of the availability of bedrock for the tower foundation, the report said.

The report recommended a monopile foundation, in which 50-foot-wide steel pile would be driven into the lake bottom to serve as the tower's base. Earthquakes would not be a significant threat, the report said.

DLZ's Main Street Bridge Featured in ENR Magazine: First Ever of its Type in U.S.

Mon 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Ohio’s iconic Main Street Bridge project will contribute to the revitalization of Columbus by linking parks and communities in the oldest part of the city with the downtown on the east side of the Scioto River. According to the Engineering News-Record, the inclined single-rib tied arch bridge is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States and one of only a few in the world. The bridge will carry vehicle and pedestrian traffic and is intended to revolutionize the skyline.

DLZ Ohio holds overall project management responsibility for the Main Street Bridge design team. DLZ designed the bridge's substructure and is handling traffic management, railing design, geotechnical engineering and approach roadway work. The design team developed an architecturally-significant bridge designed to provide a number of key elements. A single-rib tied steel arch inclined at a 10-degree angle from vertical, and an asymmetrical cross-section emphasizing the role of pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Main Street Bridge is believed to be the first example of an inclined arch tied together with cables and struts; it will also be the world's first single inclined arch bridge that incorporates both pedestrian and vehicular decks.

From Engineering News-Record (09/10/2008):

Rare Single-Rib, Inclined-Arch Structure Rises In Ohio
By Aileen Cho, Jonathan Barnes

A rare type of arch bridge is rising in Columbus, Ohio, as a vital part of the city’s revitalization effort. The generic name of the new Main Street Bridge belies the fact that its single rib-tied arch design, tilting 10° from the roadway, is the first ever in the U.S.

In July, general contractor Kokosing Construction Co., Fredericktown, Ohio, placed the fifth and final 63-ft-long arch segment of the 660-ft-long crossing over the Scioto River in a 140,000-lb pick, says Kokosing area manager Tom Graf. The other four steel arch segments were spliced together and placed in 500,000-lb picks.

The city wanted a distinctive bridge, and the mayor liked the work of Harvard professor Spiro Pollalis, who had worked with Santiago Calatrava, says Richard Ortman, city project manager. Although Ohio Dept. of Transportation is managing construction, “the city felt this was important enough that we became the lead agency during the design,” Ortman says.

The city asked stakeholders in 2001 to choose Pollalis’ basic concept of a “basket handle” arch design or a replica of the old bridge, an Art Deco open-spandrel concrete deck arch closed in 2000. They chose Pollalis’ concrete-filled arch with a 10° tilt. “Everything is asymmetrical,” says James Siebert, senior vice president with project manager DLZ Ohio Inc., Columbus. The design calls for the road deck to have cantilevered floorbeams that support the pedestrian walkway and for the bottoms of the arches to be tied with cable stays.

Arch is tilted 10° and tied with cable stays, with floor beams carrying walkway.
DLZ, working with Pollalis and HNTB Corp., Kansas City, as lead designer, asked contractors to give feedback on likely costs associated with the design. Ultimately, the team undertook a value-engineering process to shave $10 million off the costs, says Steve Hague, HNTB associate vice president.

The biggest aesthetic change caused by the redesign is in the piers. The originally designed slender V-shaped concrete piers would have required structural bearings at the bases. They are now crescent-shaped piers with bearings located under the deck, avoiding the river’s high fluctuations. Graf calls them “snow plow” piers. Each required 920 cu yd of concrete and are 39 ft wide, 55 ft long and 16 ft high.

The redesign shortens the arch component from 480 ft to 400 ft and enlarges its cross-section from 7 ft x 5 ft to about 8 ft x 5.7 ft, says Greg DeMond, HNTB senior bridge architect. Widening the arch eliminated the need for a self-compacting concrete core that would act in composite with the steel to accommodate bending forces on the asymmetric structure, he says.

The 18-ft-wide pedestrian deck, once a post-tensioned, cast-in-place box, will now be built with precast concrete panels, reducing the number of post-tensioning tendons needed and eliminating need for falsework, says DeMond. It curves away from the vehicular deck as far as 22 ft at midspan and up to 4 ft above it. The three-lane vehicular deck, also originally designed as cast-in-place concrete, is now a 650,000-lb steel box girder.

Kokosing began its $44-million contract in September 2006, and was one of the contractors invited to review the original design, says Kokosing area manager Tom Graf. The redesign is still “quite different from a traditional bridge” but proved much more buildable than the original, he says. HNTB Columbus wants bridge to reflect its renaissance and its Art Deco architecture.

Still, heavy rains and unexpected site conditions have posed challenges and $1.9 million in change orders, says Ortman. Kokosing received a $600,000 change order related to demolishing the old bridge after it discovered that sheet piles were 5 ft higher than had been expected around the old piers, which hampered its ability to demolish them using explosives, notes Ortman.

PDM Bridge, Eau Claire, Wis., fabricated the steel for the vehicular box, and sent them in 18 shipments in 18-ft-wide trailers, says Graf. They were spliced and placed in pairs in up to 650,000-lb picks. But when PDM was ready to send the steel for the last center arch segment, Midwest flooding forced a change in delivery. “The roads in southern Wisconsin couldn’t take the load permits, so we had to ferry them across the Great Lakes,” says Graf.

The arch segments arrived lying on their sides and were rotated 90° on site, says Graf. Kokosing relied heavily on 3-D modeling and construction engineering by Janssen and Spaans Engineering Inc., Indianapolis. “We were living by their models,” Graf says. “When you rotate everything 10° out of plumb, nothing is standard. I don’t know how we would have done it 20 years ago.”

Kokosing has connected the floorbeams to the arch structure with nine struts and has hung the 17 pairs of arch cables. “Late fall and next year we’re in the concrete business,” Graf says. “We’ll pour the deck and edge beams, the pedestrian walkway and overlays.”

To view the original article with photos, click here.

Main Street Bridge Featured at OTEC Conference

Tue 2 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

As part of the Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC), DLZ’s signature Main Street bridge project will be featured during a site tour on October 29th.

Jim Siebert, P.E., Senior Vice President for DLZ Ohio, will assist in giving an overview of this very unique inclined arch bridge and serve as tour guide.

This year marks the 62nd annual meeting of this statewide conference. The Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference is a two-day conference attended by over 2,400 people from across the state of Ohio. The conference is organized to provide something for everyone interested in Ohio’s transportation industry. The program addresses the latest policy and technical information, as well as covering new ideas in transportation policy, planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, local government, and management of transportation resources.

Visit www.otecohio.org for more information on the conference or to register.

Koenig and Howard To Present On QA/QC of Data Collection At Ohio GIS Conference.

Wed 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Russell Koenig, PS, EI, and Ron Howard, EI, will present a session on quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of underground GIS data collection at the 2008 Ohio GIS Conference in Columbus. The presentation will discuss the many challenges of collecting GIS pipe data and strategies to ensure proper and accurate data collection.

To view the program please click below

http://ogrip.oit.ohio.gov/Events/OhioGISConference.aspx

Lisa Swain To Speak On Web Based GIS Technologies At The Ohio GIS Conference

Wed 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Lisa Swain, PE, will present a session on Simplified Asset Management Using Modern Web-based GIS Technology at the Ohio GIS Conference. During her presentation, Ms. Swain will illustrate the appropriateness of using GoogleEarth and applications similar to Google Maps for asset management.
Ms. Swain is a Civil Engineer and Project Manager with DLZ. She is the former GIS Manager for the City of Columbus and has served as OGRIP (Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program)
Research Forum Chair and on the OGRIP Council.

To view the program please click below

http://ogrip.oit.ohio.gov/Events/OhioGISConference.aspx

DLZ's Cost-Effective GIS Solution Featured In Public Works Magazine

Wed 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Cost-Effective GIS Solution Utilizing Microsoft Access and Google Earth was featured in the June 2008 edition of Public Works Magazine.

For more information on this exciting project please contact Mel Meng in the DLZ Columbus office at 614.888.0040 or at ymeng@dlz.com.

To view this article please click or read below

http://www.pwmag.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=774&articleID=717645

Diy Gis
A small department in a small town uses Microsoft Access and Google Earth to quickly and cheaply build a GIS database.

By Victoria K. Sicaras

Everyone touts the benefits of a GIS. But vendors sometimes gloss over the painstaking and time-consuming steps required to develop a viable system—gathering and inputting the reference points for each and every asset and importing that location information into a mapping program—and the expertise required to set up a geo-database and run queries.

It can take years to become skilled in GIS applications.

When faced with a March federal deadline for developing a program to manage storm sewer discharges, the public service department of Pataskala, Ohio, had neither the time nor the resources to complete a key step: mapping stormwater outfalls.

The 12,000-resident city doesn't have an income tax, so departments are chronically under-funded, says Alison Terry, former director of planning and former assistant to the city administrator, floodplain manager, and stormwater manager. So the department asked local engineering, architectural, and environmental consulting firm—and former “city engineer”—DLZ OHIO Inc. for a solution.

DLZ created an outfall inventory management system that allows owners of municipal separate stormwater sewer systems (MS4) to map stormwater outfall data without investing in GIS software, hardware, and technicians. The system includes an MS Access database that can be used with GIS tools provided by Google Earth.

The MS4 outfall inventory management system includes an MS Access database to input and store data. Users can import the data into Google Earth to create customized maps. Photo: DLZ OHIO Inc.
Instead of sending employees into the field to gather the data with GPS equipment that it didn't have and would have to buy, the department paid the firm a one-time fee of $102,000 to collect and input all information regarding the outfall system. During the course of the three-year project, DLZ also helped write a city ordinance to meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System MS4 requirements.

The next step: import the database into a GIS to map the outfall inventory. Rather than pay an additional $10,000 to $15,000 for a GIS, and hire a GIS specialist, the city paid $400 to use Google Earth Pro for one year.

Designed for commercial use, Google Earth Pro combines Google's search engine with satellite imagery, maps, terrain, and 3-D buildings, so that anyone with a PC and an Internet connection can access the world's geographic information. The interface provides base layers, allows users to pan and zoom to a specified location, and lets them print maps.

DLZ converted the outfall inventory into a KML (Keyhole Markup Language) file, which is overlayed into Google Earth as an additional layer to create outfall maps.

Typically, a trained GIS operator must collect base layers, import the outfall inventory, and create maps. But with Google Earth Pro and the DLZ database, these steps are done automatically every time the application is launched. Plus, it takes less than an hour to become an expert on using it.

“It cannot get any simpler,” says Mel Meng, PE, an environmental engineer with DLZ.

The system comes in two versions: Web and standalone. The Web-based application stores the outfall inventory in a database on DLZ's server, which clients access through Internet Explorer. With the standalone application, clients keep a copy of the database on their own desk-or laptop computers.

Source: PUBLIC WORKS MAGAZINE
Publication date: June 1, 2008

DLZ Kentucky Hosts Earth Day Clean Up

Tue 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Covering four acres and clearing over one hundred pounds of litter, employees of DLZ Kentucky volunteered their lunch hour to an Earth Day clean-up of the Brighton Park community. Area merchants also participated in the effort.

Earth Day, an annual event held on April 22nd, intends to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the earths environment.

DLZ commends the efforts of Will May (president), Linda Staggs, Megan Campbell Smith, Lora Boller, Luke Miracle, Shea Porter and James McDaniel for their contributions to the clean-up of Frankfort and its surrounding community.

Think Global, Act Local!

Click Here for photos

DLZ Receives 2008 ACEC Honor Award

Thu 21 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio has acknowledged DLZ and its capabilities with a 2008 Honor Award. Presented February 20th, this years Honor Award selection recognized the difficult challenges of the Thompson Avenue Water Storage Tank Replacement project and the subsequent innovative results DLZ presented to the city of East Liverpool.

Retained by the city to conduct a structural and geotechnical investigation of the Thompson Avenue water tank, DLZ personnel determined to abandon the tank for safety, reliability and site constraint issues. A new dual tank (tank-within-a-tank) of 1.5 million gallons each was constructed on an adjacent abandoned reservoir site supported by an engineered fill and pile foundation.

The innovative design of the dual tank configuration provides the city the flexibility to take either tank out of service for maintenance without disrupting service to the city's water customers.

The Engineering Excellence Awards recognize engineering firms for projects that demonstrate a high degree of achievement, value and ingenuity.

Congratulations to DLZ and its staff!

DLZ's I-75/M-81 Interchange Project Receives Gold Level Award From NPHQ

Fri 25 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's innovative I-75/M-81 Roundabout Interchange Project Received The Gold Level Award From National Partnership for Highway Quality (NPHQ)

The NPHQ National Achievement Awards recognize overall project quality; the partnership between state departments of transportation and private contractors; technical and materials innovations; the effectiveness and creativity of public involvement; the team's effectiveness in meeting or exceeding expected deadlines, costs and deliverables; responsiveness to environmental needs and opportunities; and adherence to other principles of quality management.

To view the NPHQ press release please click here or read below:

http://www.nphq.org/doc/awardnominations/2007/Michigan.doc

National Partnership for Highway Quality
Press Release

November 13, 2007

Michigan Roundabout Proves Golden
State Overcomes Bridge Design Skeptics to Reduce Traffic Delays by More than Half

Austin, TX/November 13, 2007 – The National Partnership for Highway Quality (NPHQ) announced today that Michigan’s I-75/M-81 Interchange Reconstruction with Roundabouts project has been selected as a Gold Level Winner as part of the 2007 National Achievement Awards. Project partners include the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), contractor Walter Toebe Construction, and designer DLZ of Michigan.

The announcement was made in San Diego, California, by NPHQ, a partnership among federal, state, and roadway industry leaders and officials that promotes highway quality, safety, and service to the highway user.

The M-81 bridge over I-75 was in critical condition and daily traffic was increasing such that there were back-ups on both the exit ramps and the bridge. The tight-diamond interchange design was causing operational problems for commercial vehicle operators, resulting in occasional rollovers. And, with only $4 million available from the critical bridge program for “in-kind” replacement, MDOT was in a tight spot.

The solution? MDOT worked with its partners on an innovative design, a tight diamond interchange with roundabouts. The public was skeptical of the new design, and their concerns were amplified when the contractor faced a four-month delay in steel beam fabrication at the onset of the project.

Following public input, MDOT 1) reversed the project staging to accommodate this delay, and 2) agreed to a partial width bridge construction that would keep the interchange open rather than closing it as first planned. Public dialogue continued regarding the benefits of the new design, and skepticism gave way to acceptance.

All involved are pleased with the results, NPHQ Executive Director Bob Templeton stated. The construction cost totaled just over $5.1 million – nearly $7 million less than a standard urban interchange design; the interchange was reconstructed within the original footprint; and simulated traffic analyses show a 58 percent reduction in delay time and a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

“Roundabouts have been used overseas for years but are just now gaining acceptance in the United States,” Templeton said. “I commend Michigan for choosing an efficient design and working with its customers to promote acceptance of something new and different.”

The NPHQ National Achievement Awards recognize overall project quality; the partnership between state departments of transportation and private contractors; technical and materials innovations; the effectiveness and creativity of public involvement; the teams’ effectiveness in meeting or exceeding expected deadlines, costs, and deliverables; responsiveness to environmental needs and opportunities; and adherence to other principles of quality management.

NPHQ is the only nationally-formed organization dedicated to achieving total commitment to highway quality and customer satisfaction in every state. Its partners include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA), Delcan Corporation, Granite Construction Company, Kiewit Corporation, RedVector, URS Corporation, and Williams Brothers Construction Co., Inc.

Construction Management Assoc. of America "2007 Public Project of the Year" awarded to DLZ

Fri 16 Nov 2007 11:11:00 +0000

DLZ is the proud recipient of the New England Regional Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America's "2007 Public Project of the Year ($10-$25 Million)" award.

Because of the planned increase in INS staff, new U.S. Border Patrol Stations were commissioned by the USACE - New England District - at Jackman, Calais, and Van Buren, Maine. A prototypical, 11,000 sq. ft. main building design was done by DLZ and site adapted to each of the building sites. The award combines both the Calis and Jackman Stations.

The facilities consist of an ASU administrative wing, sallyport, enclosed garage, vehicle maintenance bay, marine operations (Calais and Van Buren only) and a Helipad (Jackman).

The architectural style of the facility was designed to complement architecture indigenous to the State of Maine.

Construction is on track and the final station at Van Buren is scheduled to be finished in November 2007, about three-months ahead of schedule.

CMAA is leading the growth and acceptance of construction management as a professional discipline that can add significant value to the entire construction process, from conception to ongoing operation.

Membership in CMAA includes more than 4,000 firms and individuals. Owners, engineers, architects, contractors, educators, students...everyone with a stake in the construction industry's success.

DLZ Kentucky Awarded City of Frankfort Wet Weather Program Management Contract

Wed 1 Aug 2007 10:07:00 +0000

DLZ Kentucky has been selected by the City of Frankfort, KY to be the program manager for the city's multi-million dollar capital improvement program to alleviate sewer problems.

The capital improvement program stems from a consent judgment the sewer department will enter into with the Kentucky Division of Water, mandating the city make improvements to its sewer system and eliminate outflows that cause pollution.

Commented Michael Hesse, DLZ Project Manager, "What we plan on doing is assisting the Frankfort sewer department in its compliance with the impending consent judgment."

"The contract itself will actually be an annual contract that has a five-year expiration clause. We would anticipate automatic annual renewals," commented City Sewer Director Bill Scalf to a local reporter, "We would anticipate this being a long-term relationship."

DLZ looks forward to a rewarding relationship with the City of Frankfort.

DLZ Staff Volunteer for River Clean-Up

Mon 23 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Staff from DLZ’s Cleveland, Ohio office recently volunteered at the annual Riversweep Event. Riversweep is Ohio’s largest day-long environmental cleanup effort. Volunteers cleaned up the banks of the Cuyahoga River and surrounding areas to beautify the area as well as make way for new parks and future multi-use trails. Thank you DLZ employees for all your hard work.

DLZ Staff Volunteer at Mid-Ohio Food Bank

Thu 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ staff, in cooperation with the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Columbus Ohio chapter, recently volunteered at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Volunteers had the opportunity to give back at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank by sorting and packing 160 food boxes that were donated to local families in need. Volunteers then toured the LEED-Certified Gold facility built with the intention of minimizing its impact on the environment while having a positive impact on the local economy and neighborhood.

Thanks to DLZ staff and other SMPS members for participating in such a great cause.

Gary Bowen Passes Certified Construction Manager Exam

Mon 4 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Congratualation to Gary D. Bowen, Construction Services Department Manager in DLZ Columbus, Ohio office for passing Certified Construction Manager (CCM) exam. The CCM exam is sponsored by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

Paul Weber Passes Architect Exam

Wed 23 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Paul Weber of DLZ's Lansing, Michigan office for passing his exam and is now a licensed architect.

DLZ's Steve Diebol, P.E. Passes PTOE Exam

Tue 23 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Steve Diebol, P.E., Transportation Engineer in the Lansing, Michigan Office for passing the Professional Traffic Operations Engineer exam.

Design Guidelines for Accommodating Trucks at Roundabouts Presented At OTEC

Wed 10 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Wes Butch presented at the 2010 OTEC (Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference) in Columbus. He presented "New Design Guidelines for Accommodating Trucks at Multilane Roundabouts" during OTEC's technical sessions. Wes Butch is the leader of DLZs' roundabout team and has worked on over 250 roundabouts across the country.

The OTEC conference held October 19th-20th is attended by over 2600 professionals annually and is the largest transportation engineering event in Ohio.

To see his presentation, click here

DLZ's Brad Funkhouser Passes New LEED Exam

Tue 9 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Brad Funkhouser of DLZ's Lansing, Michigan office for passing the first phase of the new LEED exam and is now a LEED Green Associate.

DLZ's Steve Jewell Wins 2010 ITE President's Award

Tue 19 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Steve Jewell, P.E., PTOE, Transportation Division Manager for DLZ's Columbus Office for winning the 2010 President's Award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Steve Jewell has been an active member of ITE for 38 years.

DLZ's Brian Mott to Present at American Institute of Professional Geologists

Tue 5 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Brian Mott from DLZ's Columbus Office will be giving a presentation to the Ohio Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) on October 7, 2010. The presentation covers the unique geologic conditions which underlie the near surface bedrock of Columbus, Ohio and the impact these conditions had on the planning and design of the OSIS (Olentangy Scioto Interceptor Sewer) Augmentation Relief Sewer, known as OARS Tunnel Project.

For more information on the AIPG, visit their website.

DLZ's Debarati Bardhan Selected as Panelist for Workplace Domestic Violence Training

Mon 27 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Debarati (Debi) Bardhan is selected to be a panelist at the Workplace Domestic Violence Training scheduled for October 27, 2010 at the Riffe Center.

The Training is aimed at educating a designated Human Resource contact at each State agency in Ohio who would serve as the “go-to” person in all matters related to Workplace Domestic Violence. The intent is that this model would serve as a role model for private agencies in Ohio.

This training is a mandatory component of the Executive Order 2008-08S, signed by Governor Ted Strickland, creating policy and training for roughly 60,000 state employees of Cabinet agencies, boards and commissions on workplace domestic violence.

She will be joined by Sheryl Clinger (Task Force Director & Interim Director of Operations, Columbus Coalition against Family Violence), Theresa Singleton (Director, Protection from Abuse, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati), Stephanie Loucka (Asst. to Administrator, Office of Policy Development, Department of Administrative Services) and Kate Foulke (Victim Services Coordinator, Ohio Dept. of Youth Services).

Gary Bowen and Mel Meng Present at 2010 GIS Conference

Tue 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Gary Bowen and Mel Meng of DLZ were presenters at the Ohio GIS Conference September 15-17, 2010. The presentation demonstrated the techniques used to create a Construction Awareness Map for The Ohio State University.

DLZ’s team created the map application and the University is displaying it for public use and using it internally for project coordination.

You can view the construction map application here.

For more information on the Ohio GIS Conference, visit the website.

DLZ's Tony Toscani Passes Michigan PLS Exam

Tue 7 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to Tony Toscani from DLZ's Burns Harbor, Indiana office for passing the Michigan PLS exam.

DLZ Staff Volunteer During United Methodist Children's Home Mission Week

Thu 22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ staff, in cooperation with the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Columbus Ohio chapter, volunteered at the United Methodist Children's Home (UMCH) in Worthington, Ohio.

After purchasing a dumptruck of mulch for the UMCH Campus, volunteers donated their time to spread mulch and provide other landscaping during UMCH’s Mission Week on Tuesday, July 13th.

Thanks to DLZ staff and other SMPS members for participating in such a great cause.

DLZ's James Siebert, P.E. Named 2010 ASCE Outstanding Section Member

Fri 21 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Central Ohio Section named A. James Siebert, P.E. the Oustanding Section Member for 2010. This award has been bestowed annually since 1982.

The Central Ohio Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1921. The geographic limits of the section extend a little way to the north and west from Columbus, and includes all of Southeast Ohio.

Congratulations to DLZ's James Siebert on his award.

Debarati Bardhan To Be Featured Speaker At State of Ohio Women's Summit

Mon 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Debarati (Debi) Bardhan, Project Manager for DLZ Ohio's Public Works Division will be a featured speaker at Momentum 2010 - Ohio Women's Summit on March 8, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. Other prominent speakers include Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland and Tami Longaberger, CEO of The Longaberger Company.

Organized by the Ohio's Governor's Office of Women’s Initiative and Outreach, the mission of the Momentum 2010 Summit is to promote the advancement of women through education, economics, and health.

For more information on the speakers at the Momentum 2010 Summit please visit:

http://governor.ohio.gov/Summit/Momentum2010Speakers/tabid/1386/Default.aspx

For general information on the summit please visit http://governor.ohio.gov/Summit/tabid/1010/Default.aspx

Brian E. Mott, RPG, Featured Speaker at Ohio Geological Society

Wed 1 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Brian E. Mott, RPG, Sr. Geologist/Environmental Scientist, is the featured speaker at the Ohio Geological Society meeting. His presentation "Subsurface conditions and other related issues affecting
wind turbine placement in Lake Erie" is scheduled for 11:30 AM, Thursday, April 16 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, 4900 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio.

If you would like to attend, please contact Steve Zody via email zodyoil@sssnet.com or phone 330-262-4323.

DLZ's Jim Siebert, P.E., Joins Volunteer Effort in El Salvador

Wed 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Senior Vice President Jim Siebert, P.E., and several other volunteers went to San Pedro Puxtla, a village in western El Salvador, with nonprofit organization Engineers Without Borders. The article is reprinted below:

Engineers need help to continue lending hand
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 By JOE BLUNDO

Design a road? Not so difficult for a group of engineers.

Design a road that runs up a steep ravine in El Salvador, then persuade people thousands of miles away to donate money to build it?

"We're having a hard time, to be truthful," said James Siebert. "Everybody's tight with the economy."

Siebert is a member of the central Ohio chapter of Engineers Without Borders, a nonprofit volunteer organization that sends engineers worldwide to put their expertise to work in places where life is hard. (See www.ewbcoh.org)

Their projects aren't dams or bridges that serve the wishes of the powerful. Instead, they are the water tanks and latrines that make huge differences for people who have very little.

Siebert, a civil engineer with DLZ Ohio, and several other volunteers went to San Pedro Puxtla, a village in western El Salvador, in September. Some residents on the outskirts of town live in a ravine that descends steeply to a river. To get anywhere, villagers scramble over boulders, tramp through mud and slosh through water. Injuries are common; one man died not long ago in a fall.

"We had a hard time walking over it, and they walk up it carrying loads of laundry or firewood or something else," Siebert said. "It's just amazing they can get up there."

The volunteers spent a week studying the situation and getting to know the people, who live in houses with dirt floors. When the ravine floods, water washes right through their homes. Yet they carry on.

The image that stays with him, Siebert said, is that of an older woman: Dressed in her best clothes, she clambered over rocks to get to church.

"She was going to be dressed up and go properly to church. That was important to her."

Of course, the world is full of hardship, and one could ask, "Why El Salvador when Ohio has needs?"

Dorothy Pritchard, a retired Bexley service director who made the trip with her husband, David (a retired engineer), has an answer.

"I think that, every time we do a project like this somewhere, it does make a difference in how people see us as Americans. I do believe that, politically, it makes a difference."

As the week wore on in El Salvador, the engineers realized they had taken on a bigger job than expected. Yet they thought they couldn't depart without leaving a tangible sign of progress for people who had been so hospitable to them. (The town insisted on housing them free and threw a party on their last day.)

So the engineers took up a collection among themselves, raised $500 and bought the supplies for a guardrail that offers at least some protection in the ravine. It was sort of a down payment on hope.

Now they are seeking money or in-kind contributions that will enable them to complete the road, which could cost $25,000 or more.

They will head back to El Salvador for the second phase in April -- not soon enough for many of them.

"That's something that tears at me," said Amanda Engle, an engineer with E.L. Robinson. "It tears at me that it's taking us six months to go back because these people were like 'Thank God you're here.' "

For link to original article:
http://dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2009/02/17/1A_BLUN17-feb._17.ART_ART_02-17-09_D2_D7CUGJ5.html?sid=101

DLZ New Hires

Mon 8 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ welcomes its newest team members Bruce A. Bauchmire, Senior Project Manager, DLZ Columbus; Andy Ellinger, Marketing Proposal Specialist III, DLZ Columbus; Gwynn Kinsel, Staff Attorney, DLZ Columbus; John W. Lafever, Civil Engineer I, DLZ Detroit; Leanne M. Mason, Designer I, Stilson & Associates; James Reynolds, Mills Construction Inspector, DLZ Burns Harbor; Todd Rozycki, Construction Observer Manager, DLZ Hammond; and Joshua Varelmann, Legal Assistant, DLZ Columbus.

C. Douglas Moody, NCARB, LEED AP Joins As Project Architect

Fri 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Ohio's Architecture subsidiary, Stilson & Associates, is pleased to announce the addition of C. Douglas Moody to their staff as a Project Architect. Moody, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, is an NCARB Certificate holder and a LEED Accredited Professional. He brings to DLZ over 27 years of experience in all facets of the architectural profession. A registered architect since 1986, his passion is to bring sustainable high performance design and building practices into the mainstream of the construction industry.

Rand Gulvas, P.E., LEED AP, Joins DLZ As A Senior Project Manager

Fri 29 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Rand Gulvas, P.E., LEED AP, has joined DLZ as a Senior Project Manager. Gulvas has 35 years of extensive and diversified experience in both electrical design and project management. His project experience consists of a broad spectrum of facilities for the educational, institutional, governmental, water treatment, and power generation sectors.

Jim Siebert, P.E., To Speak At Columbus ASCE Luncheon

Wed 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Jim Siebert, P.E., Senior Vice President of DLZ Ohio, will be the keynote speaker at a joint luncheon hosted by the Columbus Chapters of ASCE, ASHE, and the Engineers Club of Columbus. The luncheon will be held at COSI in Downtown Columbus on March 13th.

Seibert will present an overview of DLZ's signature Main Street Bridge project located in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. He will discuss several of its unique features and share pictures of selected construction activities and artist renderings of the final bridge. A tour of project will follow the luncheon.

Construction is underway for the new Main Street Bridge. The bridge will be a unique structure having an inclined, single-rib tied arch. This structure will be the first of it’s kind in the United States, and one of only a few in the world.

For more information on the luncheon please visit
http://www.centralohioasce.com/?q=node/56

City of Goshen selects DLZ for multiple projects

Wed 23 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

City of Goshen taps DLZ for multiple projects

During it's Monday night meeting, the City of Goshen's Board of Works awarded DLZ with 3 projects relating to pedestrian and bicycle paths in the city.

The DLZ South Bend office was selected to:

Design a bicycle path from U.S. 33 to the 4-H fairgrounds.
Design the Winona Trail bicycle/pedestrian railroad underpass at Goshen College
Inspect city bridges.

The pedestrian bridges on the city bicycle paths will be inspected once every four years and two vehicle bridges will be inspected every two years.

The DLZ South Bend office will also serve as consultants in the appraisal and purchase of needed right-of-way for the Monroe Street bicycle path.

Source: BOARD OF WORKS: DLZ tapped for city projects

DLZ Selected for Acton Lake Dam Study

Mon 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Selected for Acton Lake Dam Study

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has hired DLZ Ohio to study the 1,092-foot long, 62-foot high dam in order to quantify problems and identify possible solutions.

The aging Acton Lake dam at Hueston Woods State Park will require a major rehabilitation that will cost the state an estimated $5 million.

The contract directs DLZ to investigate a long list of problems and conditions, including seepage below the dam and the embankment and foundation stability.

Given its size and location, the dam at Hueston Woods is classified as a “high hazard” dam, meaning if it were to fail is would result in loss of life and extensive property damage downstream.

Please see the Dayton Daily News article 'Aging dams pose risk for state' for additional details.

DLZ Selected For Gary, Indiana Airport Extension Project

Tue 26 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was awarded the contract for Construction management services on the $153 million Gary/Chicago International Airport runway expansion project on Monday (7/25/2011) and will be partnering with Jacobs and ILC Consulting LLC to oversee all construction on the project

Please see the Post-Tribune article 'Gary airport expansion moving forward, not affected by FAA woes yet' for additional details.

DLZ Awarded Ann Arbor, Michigan Intersection Improvement Project

Tue 8 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ has been selected by the City of Ann Arbor to lead a very high profile project for improvement of the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane intersection. This intersection has been identified by the City as critical to the function of its overall road network. Located adjacent to a major proposed intermodal transit center, rail bridges on two legs, parkland, the Huron River, and the University of Michigan’s Medical Center, this intersection is slated for design as a multi-lane roundabout. The first phase of the project includes a study of roundabout operations and potential pedestrian HAWK signals. After the study phase, design will commence with completion of biddable plans slated for 2012. A major public outreach program is also included as part of the project.

See the full article here.

DLZ Wins Signature Pedestrian Bridge Project

Tue 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Cleveland, Ohio Office is part of a team that recently won a signature bridge project from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission. DLZ teamed with the international bridge architect, Miguel Rosales of Rosales + Partners, to design a pedestrian bridge at Wendy Park in downtown Cleveland.

Read the complete article for more information on the bridge, including renderings of design concepts.

DLZ Awarded $2.5 Million ODOT Transportation Project

Tue 7 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Ohio was recently awarded the I-271 Lane Addition Project by ODOT District 12. Lanes will be added in both directions of an approximate 6-mile section of I-271 between two I-480 splits, along with minor side road improvements. Three Top ODOT Hot Crash Spots and two Top Congestion Spots are located along this stretch. The completed project would increase the safety of this roadway section by reducing the amount of crashes as well as decreasing the degree of congestion throughout the corridor. At the suggestion of DLZ, the District also decided to include the mainline pavement replacement in this project, increasing the construction cost to $100M. The design is scheduled to begin in 2011, with construction starting in 2016.

DLZ Wins $3 Million Historic Renovation

Mon 19 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ has been selected for the Clearinghouse of Jefferson County project. The $3M project consists of renovating a historic building in Madison, Indiana.

DLZ Selected to Design New Perry County Jail

Mon 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was selected by the Perry County Indiana Board of Commissioners to design their new $8,000,000 County Jail. The new 110 bed jail will be about 35,000 square feet.

DLZ to Design Putnam County Courthouse Annex

Mon 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was selected by the Putnam County Indiana Board of Commissioners to design their new 32,000 square foot $5,500,000 Courthouse Annex.

DLZ Selected for Bridge Load Rating Project

Mon 7 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was recently selected for the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) Fracture Critical Bridge Load Rating Project. This $5.5 million project covers 66 Ohio counties. A total of 22 firms were selected to perform the work on this important project with DLZ among the top 4 firms.

DLZ As Key Team Member Awarded $400 Million Indianapolis Program Management Contract

Mon 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The City of Indianapolis recently selected a Transportation / Storm Water Program Management Team to assist with implementation of over $400 million in increased funding becoming available to their transportation program, as well as to assist with the preparations of the upcoming Super Bowl.

As a part of this program, the City will also be implementing a multi-million dollar Storm Water program, including all regulatory requirements. DLZ, as a part of a larger team, will play a key role providing technical services on these important programs.

This contract will be a five-year, fast track agreement to achieve project implementation, setting up procedures to successfully manage those programs, as well as to evaluate and implement new funding sources.

Congratulations to DLZ staff on this important contract.

DLZ to Design Downtown Ann Arbor Transit Center

Mon 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority selected DLZ Michigan to design the new Blake Transit Center in downtown Ann Arbor.

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority estimates the project will cost between $2.7 and $3.7 million with design work to begin in June and construction expected to be completed in about 20 months.

DLZ was one of 15 firms that competed for the project and received the award after an evaluation team made up of representatives of Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor made a unanimous decision in favor of DLZ.

The complete press release is available here.

DLZ Awarded Avery Road Project

Tue 6 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The DLZ Ohio Construction Services Division recently began work on the Avery Road at Northwest Parkway Extension and Improvement Project in the City of Hilliard, Ohio. CIP # T-132 and PID # 86490. This project will be completed by December 2010.

DLZ to Provide CM and Engineering Services for Marion County

Mon 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Ohio was recently selected to provide Construction Management and Engineering Services by the Marion County, Ohio Engineer for their Industrial Connector Project.

DLZ to Design University of Akron's Engineering Center

Tue 26 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Ohio was selected by the University of Akron Board of Trustees to design a new 35,000 sq. ft. engineering building. Occupancy is planned by the end of 2010 on this state-of-the-art environmentally friendly conference space, faculty office and research lab facility.

See the complete article here (PDF LINK TBD)

DLZ to Design City Hall

Mon 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Tipton City (Indiana) Council voted to hire DLZ to design the new 8,000 SF Tipton City Hall. The $2.0M new City Hall will replace a current City Hall facility that is over 100 years old. Design work will begin immediately with a ground breaking for construction scheduled for summer of 2010 and a building dedication scheduled for fall of 2011.

DLZ Awarded 2009 Contract with Indianapolis Department of Waterworks

Wed 31 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The Indianapolis Department of Waterworks approved the renewal of a 2009 technical services agreement to provide support for the utility. DLZ has provided ongoing general contract oversight and program management services to the department since 2002.

The Department of Waterworks provides drinking water to about 1 million people in Central Indiana. In 2001, DLZ assisted the City of Indianapolis in the due diligence and acquisition of the water utility as well as the successful contract operator negotiations.

DLZ to Design State-of-the-Art Indiana Sports Complex

Wed 10 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The Hammond, Indiana, Board of Public Works and Safety signed with DLZ to design and supervise construction for its new park and sports complex. Plans for the recreation area call for a baseball field, a softball field, a state-of-the-art playground area, lighting for night games, permanent concession stands, and even a press box.

From NWI TIMES (Monday, September 08, 2008):

Caldwell Elementary School soon will be gone to pave way for a brand-new sports complex.
BY STEVE ZABROSKI

HAMMOND-The Board of Public Works and Safety opened bids recently for Caldwell's demolition and is expected to award the contract this week.

The board also signed an agreement with engineering firm DLZ, of Hammond, for design and construction supervision for the planned recreational area.

Caldwell, which has stood at 3105 173rd St. for more than half a century, closed last year. Students moved to the new Joseph Hess School, and the city bought the Caldwell property.

The new park will be much like the Hammond Optimist Club Youth Sports Complex on Columbia Avenue, only smaller, park administrator Patrick Moore said.

Plans call for a baseball field, a softball field and a multipurpose space that can be configured for different games, as well as a state-of-the-art playground area, Moore said.

Lighting for night games, permanent concession stands and even a press box are included in preliminary plans for the complex.

There also will be plenty of parking, said Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., who described youth athletics as a priority of his administration.

McDermott oversaw the renovation of ball fields at Hermits Park and Riverside Park, and the creation of the Optimist complex.

He said he has been talking with Hessville Girls Softball and Hessville Little League about using the new park.

Most of the construction work is set to be done over the winter to take advantage of lower seasonal prices, Moore said.

McDermott said he hopes to see the new park ready for the spring baseball season.

Hammond will host the Ohio Valley Little League regional tournament next year, which will bring thousands of players to the ball fields at Optimist -- and possibly Caldwell.

To view the original article, click here.

Video Highlights Fort Wayne Bridge

Fri 5 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The Fort Wayne, Indiana, Board of Public Works recently awarded DLZ Indiana the engineering and design contract for the new $7.8 million Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (Clinton Street) Bridge over the St. Marys River.

About 26,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, and city planners want the new structure to become a “signature bridge” and a gateway to the city. A newscast showed images of the future bridge and reported on DLZ’s contract for its design.

Watch the newscast video:

http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/27827079.html

DLZ Wins ACEC Award

Thu 25 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Indiana's Mishawaka Main Street Underpass project, completed in 2010, received an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies 2010 Engineering Excellence Awards.

Honor awards showcase the engineering achievements based on criteria such as uniqueness and originality, technical complexity, social and economic value and public awareness.

Congratulations to DLZ and the entire project team.

DLZ Wins Marketing Awards

Mon 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Corporate Marketing efforts were rewarded at a recent Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Columbus Awards Gala. DLZ won the Best Direct Mail category for the roundabout invitation created to drive traffic to DLZ’s display booth and presentation “The Next Decade of U.S. Roundabouts” at the Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC).

DLZ was also awarded First Runner Up in the Best Brochure category for the Roundabout brochure which focused on educating decision makers on whether or not a roundabout is the right choice for their community. The brochure emphasized what a well designed roundabout offers: Traffic Safety; Pedestrian Safety; Maintenance; Capacity vs. Delays and Aesthetics.

Congratulations to DLZ for these awards.

DLZ Wins AIA Design Award

Fri 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Facilities Division received a 2009 Design Award from the A.I.A. Akron Chapter for the design and construction of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority New Alliance Transit Center.

DLZ Wins First Place at the 52nd Annual Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Conference

Wed 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0000

A DLZ survey plat won first place ALTA / ACSM Land Title Survey at the 52nd Annual Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Conference in Springfield. The plat prepared by Tom Michalak, PLS and drafted by Dave Carmien EIT, LSIT, and was submitted prior to the conference for review by a committee.

The committee judged 37 entries submitted from across the state on adherence to state standards for surveys and overall appearance. Some judges weighed in on the survey theory of location. The winners were displayed at the conference where an estimated 1200 surveyors attended.

DLZ to Attend Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference

Tue 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Staff from several DLZ offices will be attending the 97th Annual Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference. The conference will be held September 23-25 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.

For more information on the conference, visit their website.

Thomas G. Stoffl, P.E. Named President of DLZ Michigan, Inc.

Tue 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ is pleased to announce that Tom Stoffl, P.E. has been promoted to the position of President of DLZ Michigan, Inc. Tom has 37 years of experience in the engineering and construction industries and most recently served as the Field Services Division Manager in DLZ’s South Bend, Indiana office. He has managed numerous large, multimillion- dollar road, bridge, traffic and construction projects throughout the Midwest. Tom will oversee business development efforts for the company’s offices in Lansing, Kalamazoo and Detroit.

DLZ Appoints New Leadership

Wed 22 Dec 2010 2:00:00 +0000

		DLZ is pleased to announce Joseph C. Zwierzynski, P.E. has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Joe has been with DLZ for 29 years and has served as President of DLZ’s Indiana operations for the past 12 years. Brian L. Glaze, P.E. has been promoted to President of DLZ Indiana, LLC. Brian joined DLZ in 1989 and since 1999 has served as Joe’s Vice President of DLZ Indiana, LLC. Kurt S. Schmiegel, P.E. has been promoted to President of DLZ Industrial, LLC. Kurt joined DLZ in 1993 and most recently served as the company’s Vice President. Mark Jacob, who is in charge of DLZ Indiana’s Indianapolis office and currently oversees the firm’s program management contracts with the City of Indianapolis, has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Marcelyn Mathews, P.E., who joined DLZ after retiring from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, has been promoted to Vice President of DLZ Kentucky, Inc. Miguel (Mike) Trevino, P.E., who currently manages DLZ Indiana’s Fort Wayne office, has been promoted to Vice President. Andrew Lemberis, P.E., DLZ Indiana’s Public Works Department Manager in our South Bend office, has been promoted to Vice President. And Laurie Johnson, P.E., who was with DLZ Indiana from 1990 to 1994 and then rejoined the firm in 2007, has been promoted to Vice President. Please join us in congratulating Joe, Brian, Kurt, Mark, Marcelyn, Mike, Andrew and Laurie on their promotions and in wishing them continued success in our company.

Timothy A. Hampshire Promoted to Geotechnical Division Manager

Wed 30 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ is proud to announce that Timothy A. Hampshire, P.E., of the Columbus office, has been promoted to Geotechnical Division Manager for DLZ Ohio, Inc. Tim has been with DLZ for more than 18 years as a structural and geotechnical engineer. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering and is nearing completion of his PhD in Structural Engineering. Congratulations to Tim on his new role in the organization.

Groundbreaking Held for University of Akron Engineering Research Building

Tue 31 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The DLZ-designed University of Akron Engineering Research Center held its groundbreaking ceremony on May 9th. The new $14.8 million, 39,000 SF, three story engineering research building will help accommodate its engineering research program.

The facility will integrate industrial research space within the academic environment, uniting Ohio Companies with Akron faculty and students to collaborate ongoing research aimed to advance economic development statewide. Programs will entail a balance between open innovation and intellectual property protection. Specifically, the “innovative model” facility will house the:

National Center for Education and Research in Corrosion and Material Performance
Laboratories for sensors research funded by the Ohio Third Frontier initiative through the Wright Center for Sensor Systems Engineering
Research and teaching space for The University of Akron’s College of Engineering and collaborative research projects.

DLZ provided professional services for the project including Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural, Civil, and Communication Engineering services, and Professional Surveying and Geotechnical Engineering services.

The groundbreaking was attended by several state and U.S. lawmakers that have helped the center get to Akron.

Animations Showcase DLZ-Designed Bridge

Tue 7 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ was the lead designer for a faux-tied arch bridge, Martin Luther King Bridge (aka Clinton Street/US27) currently under construction in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

See the DLZ-prepared animations here.

Ribbon-Cutting Held for Pioneer Road Project

Tue 30 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ Indiana's $5.3 million Pioneer Road project opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new 1.2-mile corridor on Pioneer Road from Indiana 17 north to Lincoln Highway provides safer access for residents and Ancilla College traffic.

The entire project, which provides a direct route from Indiana 17 to U.S. 30's industrial and retail corridor, is set for completion Sept. 14, 2011 and expected to carry 13,000 vehicles a day while adding a safe and reliable route with improved driving lanes and geometrics.

To view the entire news article, visit the South Bend Tribune here.

DLZ Designed LEED Certified Animal Shelter Impresses Community Leaders

Fri 3 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The opening of the DLZ designed Summit County, Ohio Animal Shelter was received with accolades from community leaders.

The $2.96 million animal shelter facility doesn't compare to the former, cramped shelter that sat in the shadow of the state Route 8 bridge over the Little Cuyahoga River.

The 19,494-square-foot building is spacious. The adoption area and individual kennels are larger. So is the lobby, which features glass walls so visitors can see some of the dogs and cats up for adoption. The facility can house about 80 dogs and 60 cats.

There's also more space for the veterinary clinic, quarantining of sick animals, offices, outdoor visiting area and parking. It also has separate meet-and-greet rooms where people can visit privately with the animals. The former shelter had no such space.

''This is amazing,'' Jen D'Aurelio, executive director of the rescue group Paws & Prayers, said during a tour. ''It's bigger and has more space for the dogs. I think it's a lot more friendly, too.''

Veterinarians Dane and Cynthia Arends, who work at the facility, agreed. ''There's no comparison,'' Dane Arends said. ''It's absolutely night and day.''

The dogs and cats deserved better than the former site, county Councilman Nick Kostandaras said. ''I feel that pets are much more than just animals,'' he said. ''They are beloved members of one's family. They constantly enrich our lives.''

In addition to improving conditions for the animals, the shelter is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. For example, the building is energy efficient and uses less water, and the parking lot is made of a pervious surface that allows rain to enter the ground.

For the full article by Rick Armon, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer visit here.

DLZ's Main Street Bridge Project Featured on Buildipedia.com

Tue 10 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

A recap of DLZ's Main Street Bridge Project and dozens of detailed photographs are featured on Buildipedia.com. The article and photos are available here.

DLZ's Main Street Bridge Featured in Roads & Bridges Magazine.

Wed 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Main Street Bridge was featured in the November edition of Roads & Bridges Magazine.

To view the article (text only) please click below

http://www.roadsbridges.com/rb/index.cfm?fuseaction=showArticle&articleID=9796&learnMore=yes&CFID=2722360&CFTOKEN=61467199

To view the PDF version (with pictures) please click below

Download

Three River City, MI Manager Praises DLZ In Kalamazoo Gazettee

Wed 25 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ received praise in the Kalamazoo Gazette from Three Rivers' City Manager Joe Bippus. Commenting on DLZ's involvement with the Portage River Parking Plaza, Bippus stated "DLZ, a new engineering firm, came in and really helped us find solutions to the problems and really orchestrated this so that it could happen."

To view the article please click or read below

http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette_community_extra/2008/06/bruce_snook_ribboncutting_cele.html

Ribbon-cutting celebrates completion of Portage River Parking Plaza
Posted by Bruce Snook | Opinion June 23, 2008 07:00AM
Categories: Bruce Snook, Hometown South
Published June 23, 2008.

Successful completion of a multiyear project to create the Portage River Parking Plaza was celebrated on June 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the East Michigan Avenue and Joshua Drive entrance to the parking lot.

Those on hand for the special occasion included representatives of the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority, city of Three Rivers, downtown merchants, Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Meyer family, including Joshua Meyer, the son of Tom and Jackie Meyer, for whom the new street that runs through the area was named.

The lengthy project -- with a price tag of $1.9 million -- transformed the former East City parking lot into an attractive parking area with spaces for 122 vehicles.

DDA Chairman Rick Dyer said the project took "a lot of hard work by many individuals in the DDA, especially Tom Meyer, (who) was the spearhead for the whole thing."

Dyer thanked the merchants and the residents for being patient and praised the city for its support of the project.

Dyer described the accomplishment as "the start of a nice anchor project" for renovation in the DDA district and said the DDA would "keep working on grants for facades and downtown improvement."

City Manager Joe Bippus noted difficulties with engineering and "ribbing from citizens, rightfully so, because of the delay," but said, "DLZ, a new engineering firm, came in and really helped us find solutions to the problems and really orchestrated this so that it could happen." He also said the state of Michigan "did a lot with grant dollars," increasing the amount of funding for the project from $500,000 to $800,000.

Bippus indicated the project has had a positive effect on businesses and business development on the east side of Main Street and said, "I think it's one step in the right direction."

Tom Meyer, former chairman of the DDA and the owner/renovator of many downtown buildings, commended Bippus and the Three Rivers City Commission for their support and perseverance with the project, which drew a fair amount of criticism during its long execution.

Meyer said, "I took some photos before and one this morning after the project was over and there is a marked difference in what it looked like six years ago and what it does now. I'm glad we finally prevailed and we've got a nice addition to the downtown area and to the whole city."

Meyer said he thinks the parking lot is "a significant piece of the puzzle" in terms of revitalization, "but it takes a lot of pieces to that puzzle." And he expressed confidence in the future of the downtown, saying, "We've seen a little downturn in the last couple of years because of the Michigan economy, but when the economy straightens out, it'll come back and start to grow like it did four or five years ago."

Bruce Snook, retired president and CEO of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at 273-8356 or bcsnook@comcast.net. Click here for more Bruce Snook columns.

DLZ's Johnson County Jail Expansion Study Featured In The Indianapolis Star.

Fri 18 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0000

DLZ's Johnson County Jail Expansion Study Featured In The Indianapolis Star

The January 17th Indianapolis Star highlighted DLZ's proposals to expand the Johnson County (Indiana) Jail.

To view the article please click here or read below.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/LOCAL040303/801170549/1023/LOCAL04

By Jason Thomas
jason.thomas@indystar.com

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Johnson County officials say they need a bigger county jail.

The facility on Hospital Road has been at or near capacity as early as 2004, just three years after a second expansion increased the jail's volume to 309 beds. An anticipated rise in the county jail population over the next several years -- reflecting a statewide trend -- has officials eyeing ways to ease the space squeeze. Two expansion proposals revealed Wednesday would increase the jail's capacity by 217 beds -- a short-term fix to a long term problem, officials say.

Details of the proposals include:
Addition of a housing pod of 217 beds to the existing jail and expansion of booking and medical areas.
Construction of an indoor training facility with indoor police pistol qualification range.
Replace the existing community corrections building with a new 150-bed facility.
A new administration building for sheriff's department and jail personnel.
One proposal has the jail expanding to the east; the other expands the facility to the south, which could pose a problem because of a drainage ditch directly south of the complex that was moved once during the 2001 expansion.

In 2005, county officials contacted Indianapolis-based architectural and engineering consulting firm DLZ and American Structurepoint to address jail crowding concerns and offer expansion recommendations.
"You do not have sufficient capacity for the current and projected population," said Paul E. Downing, DLZ's criminal justice planner, who estimated the county's jail population could grow to 458 prisoners by 2030.

An anticipated rise in the jail population corresponds with what is occurring at state prisons, according to J. David Donahue, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Correction. Currently, there are 379 Johnson County residents locked up in state prisons, and that number is expected to increase to 411 by 2010. As a way to soften the impact on the state system and as a money-making venture for the county, Donahue urged officials to consider the state as a possible client should they expand the jail.
In deals across the state, the Department of Correction contracts with local sheriff's departments to house inmates.

"We would use aggressively the confinement space in the county," Donahue said. "Unfortunately, because the sheriff's inn is full and he's having a heck of a time in his own right managing the space, we don't have a holding relationship with Johnson County." Officials will meet in the coming months to discuss the jail situation. Funding options could include increasing property taxes or income taxes.
"For us, it will sifting through it and figuring out how we go ahead and be mindful for what's best for Johnson County," said Tom Kite, chairman of the county commissioners.

Sheriff Terry McLaughlin seeks to avoid what happened in 1997, when a successful lawsuit from the Indiana Civil Liberties placed a cap on the number of inmates at the jail, forcing officials to send prisoners to out-of-county facilities -- a costly venture. "I'm a firm believer that we need to stay ahead of the curve with regards to any kind of litigation," he said. "We're not under the gun. We can think things out and that's what we're trying to do here."