Two Otak ‘Project of the Year’ Awards at APWA OR 2025 Fall Conference

November, 2025

The 2025 American Public Works Association (APWA) OR Fall Conference included two presentations by Otak experts and two more award-winning projects for the firm. Project of the Year honors highlighted the transportation design of 1st and Strand and the environmental design for the Springwater Wetland Restoration.

In addition to the accolades, a panel with water resources team leader Phil Kenyon focused on strategies that streamline collaboration between operations and engineering on projects while civil engineer team leader Keith Buisman shared an in-depth look at the design behind the award-winning 1st and Strand project. These sessions were followed by a wine tasting event where all proceeds went toward supporting the APWA Oregon Scholastic Foundation, advancing education opportunities in the industry.

Altogether, this year’s event followed a theme of “Public Works Unmasked.” It placed an emphasis on the details behind the work and ideas that were shared across the event’s activities. A closer look at the two Project of the Year winners can be found below.  

About 1^st and Strand – Project of the Year (Transportation Category: $5 million – $25 million)

Situated along the downtown waterfront, work at 1^st and Strand set up the City of St. Helens for continued growth. An initial planning effort was  followed by a transportation design that clearly defines this downtown core, both with infrastructure for growing business in the area and enhancing its use for the community.

Adjacent to City Hall and other public buildings, the streetscape design allows the area to host public events without disrupting traffic. The enhancements improve congestion, parking, and pedestrian access while also extending utilities that create shovel-ready sites for future development.