Revitalized St. Helens Waterfront Earns National Project of the Year
September, 2026
During a year of record-setting nominations — more than 300 — the American Public Works Association (APWA) recognized improvements to the St. Helens Waterfront as part of its 2026 national awards. Winning in the Transportation category for Small Cities, members of the project team were in attendance to accept the award during the organization’s annual event in Houston, Texas, alongside fellow honorees from peers across the industry.
Promoting excellence in the management and administration of public works projects, the event’s stated goals also aim to highlight the partnerships between the managing agency, contractor, and consultants that make that work successful. With more than 6,000 professionals joining each year, it represents the largest conference of its kind dedicated to public works.
A complete look at this year’s honorees is gathered here, while more information on the design behind the St. Helens Waterfront that joins a list of award-winning work can be found below:
About 1st and Strand at the St. Helens Waterfront
Situated along the downtown waterfront, work at 1st 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.
