Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to announce that the City of Elgin's Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit project has been recognized with a 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fox Valley Branch. This award celebrates excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the engineer, and the contractor who work together to complete public works projects.

The project, completed in partnership with the City of Elgin and contractor Martam Construction, Inc., transformed an outdated, concrete-lined detention basin into a naturalized stormwater facility that enhances water quality and supports ecological health. 

Innovative Green Infrastructure

Historically, untreated stormwater runoff from the basin could carry pollutants directly into the Fox River, contributing to water quality challenges. The retrofit replaced the concrete channel with a meandering flow path and native vegetation designed to slow water flow, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Additional features, such as sedimentation zones and a plunge pool, further optimize pollutant capture and water quality.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

The project introduced over 60 species of drought- and flood-resistant native plants, creating a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and minimizing long-term maintenance. These improvements align with the City of Elgin’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit goals, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable stormwater management.

Collaboration, Success, and Community Benefits

HLR worked closely with the City of Elgin and Martam Construction, Inc. to design, permit, and construct the retrofit. Rigorous planning and commitment to sustainability ensured the project’s success. The reconstructed basin has become a valuable asset for the local community, offering enhanced aesthetics, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the beauty of dynamic seasonal changes in the plant communities. Adjacent stakeholders have praised the project for its environmental stewardship, particularly with the removal of dense brush that previously limited visibility.

The Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit showcases how public works projects can address immediate environmental needs while preparing for future climate challenges. HLR is honored to have collaborated with the City of Elgin to deliver a solution that improves the detention basin, supports biodiversity, and benefits the community for years to come.

The award will be officially presented during the 2025 Fox Valley Branch Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets in Bartlett, IL.