Transforming Hillcrest into The Heights

December 18, 2023

By Bob Barth, Director of Land Development, WSB

A visionary redevelopment project in St. Paul. 

When the Saint Paul Port Authority saw an opportunity to purchase the Hillcrest Golf Course in 2019, they sought WSB’s infrastructure planning and design experience to breathe new life into the 112-acre property on Saint Paul’s east side. Four years later, this unique project is under construction and promises new jobs and housing, expands the local tax base, achieves multiple green outcomes, and interweaves publicly accessible open space into its employment and residential settings.  

The Challenges & Opportunities of the Project 

The Hillcrest transformation into the Heights can be mapped across several stages: pre-purchase due diligence, master planning, design and construction. We joined forces with the Saint Paul Authority and other partners for landscape and sustainability to tackle these phases head-on, understanding the complexities of the project, as well as the great value it will bring to the community upon completion.  

One problem that had to be mitigated was mercury contamination on the site, due to chemicals used on the property when it was a golf course. Also, the property’s uniquely hilly terrain had to be adapted to industrial development, new roads and infrastructure. Remediation plans to clean up the site and ensure the design accounts for the landscape were critical for this project. 

Crafting Community Space 

At the heart of this redevelopment lies the aspiration to create a space accessible to the public – one boasting open spaces, park-like areas and captivating public art displays. The idea is that no matter where someone is, people are close to nature. 

There will be one million square feet of industrial space and one thousand new housing units, driving economic prosperity and diversity in the area. This a public project, and at its heart, it is focused on the greater needs of the community and how to develop a project that brings critically needed housing, jobs and opportunities for the east side’s residents and its emerging young workforce. 

An Accelerated Timeline for Community Need 

Originally slated as a decade-long endeavor, the Heights redevelopment project gained momentum due to overwhelming demands and protentional to uplift the area. Substantial completion is expected in 2025, with full project completion in 2026. 

A Chance for Change 

Our firm’s involvement in this transformative venture was no accident. The choice was driven by a deep-rooted experience in working with project partners like the City of St. Paul and Ramsey County, and a shared commitment to projects that elevate diversity and prosperity. With a profound understanding of the region’s pulse and a dedication to inclusivity, WSB was proud to be a partner to turn the Heights vision into reality.  

Forging a Brighter Future, Together 

As Hillcrest Golf Course evolves into The Heights, a hub of vibrancy and opportunity, the collaborative efforts of the Saint Paul Port Authority, WSB and other visionary partners amplify the community’s prospects. From navigating complex terrain to envisioning inclusive spaces, this project speaks to a brighter, more sustainable future for the east side of St. Paul – one defined by innovation, diversity, and an unwavering commitment to transformation. 

Bob leads WSB’s Land Development Services. Over his 26-year career, he has worked for both public and private sector clients, beginning as a water resource engineer and evolving into his current land development role. Bob’s current interest and a focus for WSB’s Land Development Group is sustainable redevelopment within urban communities.

[email protected] | 763.231.4876

Beyond Maps

December 18, 2023

By Justin Hansen, Director of GIS Services, WSB

How GIS is Driving the Future of Data for Clients

As technology evolves, so does the way we harness information. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as a transformative technology, empowering organizations with location intelligence. At WSB, GIS isn’t just about maps; it’s about turning geospatial data into a powerful asset that fuels innovation and smart decision-making for clients. The work we do with integrating GIS with other systems provides a dynamic data-driven insights and action. 

Foster Data-Driven Asset Management and Community Engagement 

For government and municipal clients, GIS is a cornerstone technology. It doesn’t just create maps; it’s a system of record-enabling, efficient asset management. GIS is a system of engagement and can empower greater community insight. In Duluth, Minnesota we helped implement a GIS-driven app for citizens to report issues to the city like graffiti, downed signs or potholes. Appls like this bring maps, data and people together in real time.  

Drive Private Sector Solutions 

For commercial clients, GIS can help mitigate risk and drive informed decisions. For example, we collaborated with an insurance data analytics provider to infuse GIS into their products allowing them to offer a more cohesive approach to analyzing risk. GIS provides geospatial data-driven insights and predictive analytics that insurance carriers use to reduce risks and improve policyholder retention. This, in turn, empowers businesses to strategize effectively, minimizing potential losses and optimizing their operations. 

Enhance Safety and Prevent Damage 

Energy companies leverage GIS to enhance safety and prevent damage. These technologies provide location intelligence tools that can pinpoint potential risks and vulnerabilities with infrastructure and operations. This proactive approach enables energy companies to make informed decisions that protect their assets and improve operational customer safety. 

Support Multi-Dimensional Projects and the Future of Data 

As project operations become more complex and interconnected via technology, so do the dimensions of data. Our GIS solutions are future-ready, supporting integrations with Building Information Modeling (BIM) for 4D and 5D projects that add time-based and cost-based elements to the geospatial data. This advanced approach enriches decision-making and creates pathways for enhanced project data delivery, from complex urban planning to construction sequencing – offering a new level of insight. 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of data utilization, GIS is the compass guiding us toward smarter decisions, efficient operations and sustainable growth. We’re not just pioneers in integrating GIS across organizations; we’re partners in leveraging its power to shape the future of diverse industries. From the public sector to the private domain, GIS isn’t just about maps anymore – it’s about transforming data into a strategic advantage. 

Justin is the Director of GIS Services and leads WSB’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) group. He has over 15 years of experience managing GIS projects, staff, software development, solutions design, systems integration, and GIS implementation. Justin works closely with our clients to implement GIS-based tools and systems that meet their needs, provide maximum value, and foster engagement.

[email protected] | 763.231.4846

Q&A with Monica Heil | VP of Municipal Services

December 18, 2023

Monica Heil is the Vice President of Municipal services at WSB. Monica has been serving Minnesota communities for over 20 years. She leads the delivery of our Municipal Services in the Upper Midwest market, developing expertise, improving project management processes and creating efficiency among our teams. Her experience managing projects through construction allows her to see how final design decisions impact an agency’s system, and how we must proactively develop communication strategies to keep project stakeholders informed.

Q: WHAT FACTORS DO YOU BELIEVE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH OF WSB AS WELL AS THE EXPANSION OF OUR COMPANY?

Culture is a prominent factor in contributing to the growth of WSB. When I first joined WSB in 2010, I was impressed with not only the technical expertise we had within the company but the willingness of every employee to pitch and leverage their expertise to contribute to a solution. From the start, I was able to collaborate with others across the company when delivering projects. This was good for our team internally; to be able to depend on one another and build that sense of trust. Externally, our internal collaboration benefits our clients as well, by increasing the potential for project success and providing the best possible service and solutions.

Q: WHAT MAKES WSB DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AEC FIRMS?

WSB’s curiosity and commitment to continuously improving the way we do things is what makes WSB different from other AEC firms. WSB could do the same thing day-in and day-out, but we are always looking for opportunities to improve upon and expand our service offerings to best serve our clients, both today and in the future.

Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CONSULTANT ENGINEER?

We work on a variety of projects and have many technical experts on our team. The depth of our technical expertise from around the country allows WSB, as a consultant engineer, to contribute to the highest quality work product for our clients.

Q: WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES WSB PROVIDE TO STAFF THAT ARE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER COMPANIES?

Our access to leadership is a differentiator. Everyone in our company can engage with our leaders, and that expedites professional development within the company. We have created a number of leaders within WSB due to the accessibility of other leadership and the mentorship that provides.

Q: HOW DOES OUR IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE PLAY A ROLE I N RECRUITING TALENT?

The impact we have on the communities we serve plays a huge role in attracting and retaining talent. I can think of very few professions where you can physically see the impact you have on the communities you serve. At WSB, we can look around and see exactly what we are doing – from safer transportation to clean drinking water and improved sustainable practices. So much of what we are doing is not only for today, but also for tomorrow, and it is extremely rewarding to be able to contribute to our future in that matter.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STAFF THAT WANT TO GROW THEIR CAREERS AND BECOME A LEADER?

I would encourage staff to find a way to say “yes.” Find a way to say “yes” when you are unsure or uncomfortable with how you are going to perform because it will lead to great opportunities. Professional development and growth are going to come out of circumstances where you may be uncertain about what the future brings, but through those opportunities you will find professional growth not only for yourself but for others that want to grow their careers. Find a way to say “yes” and encourage others to do the same thing.

Q: WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE AT WSB FOR CAREER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?

Since day one we have been a company that has supported an individual’s passion in their technical and service delivery. There will be opportunities for any individual that wants to pursue innovative ideas that benefit our clients and our projects. No career path is going to be a carbon copy of the leader that went before them, and we have done a great job of helping our staff identify the uniqueness of their passion and put them on a trajectory to be successful. That track may change as people move through their personal and professional lives, and we encourage that. Using that passion to develop outcomes is what has made WSB so successful.

Q: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF WSB LOOK LIKE?

The future of WSB is bringing what we have done very well in our existing geographic locations to other areas of the country. As a firm, we have a reputation for strong technical expertise and over-the top customer service. Our goal is to bring that to every client we serve, whether that is a public agency or private entity. We will continue to do more with technology to best-serve our clients wherever we go.

Monica Heil

Navigating the Future: Digital Construction Management with WSB

December 7, 2023
By Andy Kaiyala | VP of Construction Technologies and Controls, TX, WSB

In an ever-evolving construction industry, Digital Construction Management (DCM) is the future of our industry. Utilizing cloud-based connected data environments that visualize the physical world in an interactive digital space is the next step to advance civil construction project delivery. This undertaking will produce accurate 3D models that become the single source of truth for project delivery, with each stakeholder building upon the work of the previous.

Simply put, this is the future of civil infrastructure and WSB is at the forefront with our DCM service.

Defining Digital Construction Management
Digital Construction Management represents a paradigm shift. At its core, DCM is the fusion of advanced technology and traditional construction practices that allows all stakeholders to evaluate the same data and make smart decisions.

The shift from 2D to 3D workflows will not occur overnight, but we recognize the value of 3D modeling and its ability to provide a more comprehensive and intuitive view of a construction project. 3D models enable stakeholders to visualize the project in its entirety. Where are utility clashes? Where are the trouble spots that need to be addressed? How will shifting elements of a project play out in the real world?

DCM has far-reaching implications for every stage of a construction project, from design to execution.

Unparalleled Problem Solving
Every project comes with risk, but DCM helps create the opportunity to take risk from an abstract concept to a concrete reality so challenges can be solved efficiently. When the proposed design is analyzed in context of a full existing-conditions model, problems are identified early, risk is mitigated and projects are ultimately more efficient and cost-effective.

Putting the Design Model to Work
WSB is excited about DCM because it is the intersection between services and software, and what is next for our industry. WSB provides both cutting-edge software tools and the expertise to use them effectively. DCM enhances our clients’ capabilities, allowing them to integrate operational data within one platform from the very earliest stages of the project through construction close out.

WSB’s in-house DCM expertise spans construction modeling, visualization, design modeling, 4D scheduling, data analytics, project controls, IT development resources, constructability review and automated machine control. This holistic approach ensures that every facet of the project benefits from DCM.

Preparing for the 3D Future
WSB’s approach to Digital Construction Management is about meeting clients where they are today while preparing them for the future.

The future of construction is digital, and our DCM services are empowering clients to make informed decisions while fostering collaboration, utilizing data intelligently and mitigating risks.

The digital future is here, and WSB is leading the way.

Andy is Vice President of Construction Technologies and Controls with over 25 years of industry experience and emphasis on large, complex, alternative delivery infrastructure projects in the transportation, heavy civil, flood control, and transit spaces. Andy has led teams that secured construction projects with a contract value of more than $5B in nine states and three countries.

[email protected] | 203.599.5984

League of Minnesota Cities Conference

Gaining valuable insights at the League of Minnesota Cities Conference

Bart Fischer, Senior Public Administrator, WSB

WSB recently attended the annual League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Conference in Duluth. At this conference, more than 600 city officials and staff attended from different cities in Minnesota. LMC is a membership organization dedicated to promoting excellence in local government. The goal of the conference is to join city officials from across the state to develop new skills, discover ideas and show love for our cities. This year’s theme was “City Love.”

City officials and staff are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to their cities and communities. As we thought through how we could engage with conference attendees, while also gathering valuable insights, the “City Love” theme brought us to two prompts: “What do I love most about my city?” and “If I had a million dollars for my city I would….”  We displayed two boards with the different questions at the exhibit hall and below is what we heard.

What do I love most about my city?

We received a number of different responses to this question; however, they all shared common themes. What city officials and staff love about their cities is their community. The people, diversity, infrastructure, and nature of a community is what people care about. City officials and staff work diligently to create a safe community with a high quality of life. Several of the responses reflected on open spaces, parks, trails, lakes, and wetlands.

What do I love most about my city

It is crucial to understand this information because it matters when making decisions for the future of the community. When city officials and staff are providing their best to their community it grows and strengthens the city.

WSB works to grow with them, and we want to strengthen our cities infrastructure through partnership. Understanding what is important to the people we work with allows us to better serve a city’s unique needs. We incorporate our client’s values to build what is next in infrastructure.

If I had a million dollars for my city I would…

On this board, the many responses reflected similar ideas, and all revolved around making their city better. Responses talked about infrastructure, parks, landscaping, safety, and economics.

If I had a million dollars for my city I would

Gathering this information, our team reflected on how WSB can play a role. We have collaborated with different communities to support their needs for nearly 30 years. Throughout this time, we’ve found that in many cases, one of the largest barriers to completing projects is funding. We work with cities to find a way to get their infrastructure projects completed from start to finish.

Following the conference, it was interesting to reflect on the collective responses from each question.  While many cities share similar needs and thoughts, the scale and specifics vary greatly because of their unique characteristics, geography, and constructs.  

Bart Fischer has over two decades of experience in public administration. Throughout his tenure, he’s worked in five Minnesota communities as the city or assistant city administrator. Bart joined our firm in 2019 as a senior public administrator and focuses on lending his public service expertise to our clients.

[email protected] | 651.485.1839

WSB Branded Background

Zweig Group honors WSB with Marketing Excellence Awards

The Zweig Group, the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has honored WSB with two awards in marketing.

Every year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.

Award entries are judged by a team of marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design.

WSB Newsletter Volume 4, Issue 2 | External Newsletter | Second Place

Twice a year, WSB publishes an external newsletter. For over 10 years, WSB has mailed a newsletter highlighting projects, innovations, techniques, and news. We feel there is still value in a well-done printed piece. Issuing a newsletter helps us tell our WSB story in a broader way than digital marketing.

This newsletter focused on the work we have done across the country. Our growth has been significant both in our staff, offices, and projects. Click here to view the newsletter.

2022 Year In Review | Internal Newsletter | Third Place

Since 2009, WSB has published our annual Year In Review. This publication recaps the previous year and is distributed at our firm’s annual celebration. The goal is simple – to tell the story of WSB to our staff. In recent years, we have grown significantly both in staff size and geography. The stories of how we are building what is next in infrastructure across the country are important for our staff to hear. It helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. Click here to view the 2022 Year in Review publication.

The complete list of Marketing Excellence Winners can be accessed here: Marketing Excellence Award (zweiggroup.com)

WSB Lions Volunteer Park

City of Hugo has been selected as a MRPA Award of Excellence recipient

The City of Hugo has been selected as a MRPA Award of Excellence recipient for the Lions Volunteer Park and Downtown Improvement Project. The award will be presented later this summer at a City Council meeting.

WSB’s design team collaborated with the City of Hugo and HCM Architects to engage in a comprehensive planning process aimed at transforming the existing downtown into an expanded civic space.  The project was completed in 2022 and features a fully redeveloped park with a wide variety of interactive features meeting a broad range of ages and abilities and includes event space, the Peder Pederson Pavilion, an inclusive playground, and athletic courts. It also includes an abundance of gathering areas surrounded by aesthetic landscaping that is irrigated through a stormwater reuse system. The new and redeveloped streets and trails greatly improve overall access to the park and the Hugo City Hall for both pedestrians and vehicles.

WSB Lions Volunteer Park
WSB Lions Volunteer Park
WSB Lions Volunteer Park
WSB Lions Volunteer Park
WSB Lions Volunteer Park
Graphic with line drawing of a town

TxDOT selects WSB for Comprehensive Engineering Consultant (CEC) Services Houston District

The firm is selected to deliver $10 million in engineering services over four years

May 23, 2023

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have been awarded a contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Houston District as a prime provider of Comprehensive Engineering Consultant (CEC) services.

“We welcome the opportunity to support the Houston District’s engineering needs,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “This is our first large-scale contract with TxDOT’s Houston District, and we see this as a significant advantage because we have the opportunity to shape the way infrastructure projects are delivered in the Houston community. As a firm, we lead the industry in in digital delivery across the country. We’re looking forward to bringing a more innovative, collaborative approach to design and engineering services for the state of Texas’ infrastructure needs.”

Through TxDOT’s Professional Engineering Procurement Services (PEPS) division, the CEC contracts are solicited through an RFP process and use qualification-based selection to procure services. PEPS mission is to obtain the most qualified consultants to deliver effective solutions for Texas. The division has $1.35 billion allocated for consultant services in 2023 alone.

“TxDOT’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and integrated transportation systems align well with our capabilities and expertise,” said David Balmos, WSB’s vice president of strategy. “Our technical approach, deep bench of in-house expertise, approach to project management and our resumé of notable design and engineering projects will be vital to TxDOT’s long-range transportation plan.”

In addition to the CEC contract, WSB provides engineering services to TxDOT for the I-10 Inner Katy project, a $1.2 billion program to reconstruct five miles of urban freeway in Houston.  

Graphic with line drawing of a town

WSB expands survey team leadership in Minnesota and Colorado

Expansion of leadership will delineate strategic business development efforts across the firm’s markets

May 4, 2023

Engineering and consulting firm WSB announced today that they have expanded their survey team leadership. Brad Oswald has been promoted to Director of Survey and Pete Helder has been promoted to Director of Survey Operations, Minnesota. The new leadership structure allows for more focus to elevate the firm’s survey operations throughout offices in Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, North Dakota and expansion across the nation. 

“The promotion of Brad and Pete within our survey team is significant for our growth trajectory,” said Kyle Klasen, WSB vice president of survey and digital delivery. “Both Pete and Brad have worked closely to build and expand our service offering across the markets we serve. Their work ethic and leadership skills have not only helped build our internal teams but has driven new business through their commitment to innovation and client service.”

Oswald first joined WSB in 2021 as director of survey operations.  Throughout this time, he’s established the firm’s subsurface utility engineering (SUE) service, grown the WSB survey footprint in Colorado and has led many large-scale American Land Title Association (ALTA) land survey projects. In his new role as director of survey, Oswald will guide the overall strategy for the firm’s survey team and will coordinate survey efforts across the country.

“Every infrastructure project across the nation is based on survey measurements,” said Oswald. “Strong data is the foundation of any project and the way we operate at WSB is unique to the industry.  We believe in the combination of expertise and cutting-edge tools to deliver better projects. I’m looking forward to expanding our footprint while working with our clients to provide this crucial data, efficiently and effectively.”

Helder has been with WSB for over 25 years as principal and survey group coordinator. Throughout his tenure, he’s managed the firm’s survey crews and was at the forefront of leading the firm into the renewable energy market. In his new role as director of survey operations, Minnesota, Helder will direct WSB’s survey efforts across Minnesota and will lead the firm’s renewable survey efforts across the country.

“The art of surveying goes back to ancient times and is one of the single most important assets in civil infrastructure project planning,” said Helder. “With the large investment in renewable energy across the nation, WSB is well-suited to deliver accurate, precise and technical survey data for our clients.”

Both Oswald, Helder and WSB are recognized across the industry as a go-to firm for survey services. WSB’s survey services include design, boundary, right of way, 3D laser, asset management, construction staking, environmental compliance and SUE. More information about WSB’s survey services can be found here.

Brad Oswald
Director of Survey
[email protected] | 248.686.4745

Pete Helder
Director of Survey Operations, Minnesota
[email protected] | 612.363.6952

Pete Helder
Fargo Office Exterior

WSB grows North Dakota presence with the relocation and expansion of Fargo office

The design and consulting firm’s North Dakota expansion is part of their strategic growth plans.

May 3, 2023

Fargo Office Exterior

WSB, a design and consulting firm, announced today that they have expanded their Fargo office to the TAB 42 professional office building on 4207 28th Avenue South.  The 4,500-square-foot expansion represents a continuation of WSB’s geographic growth strategy.

“We’re proud to invest in the areas where we live and work,” said Travis Wieber, WSB’s vice president of transportation. “We’re looking forward to bringing the full range of WSB’s expertise to the area.  As a full-service design and consulting firm, we’re capitalizing on our local leadership, investing in technology to create efficiencies, and changing the way our industry develops infrastructure projects through digital delivery.”

WSB, which provides engineering, community planning, environmental and construction services to the public and private sector, established a Fargo presence in 2017, their second WSB location in North Dakota. WSB first entered the North Dakota market in 2014 with the opening of their Bismarck office.

The Fargo area market has experienced steady growth with increasing infrastructure needs. Expanding the firm’s local presence will allow them to better serve the area through innovation, expertise and advanced technologies.

“WSB has deep roots in Minnesota and looks forward to expanding Fargo,” said Jessica Karls, WSB’s director of transportation design. “We have strong relationships with partners and clients in Fargo and throughout North Dakota. We look forward to bringing innovative, comprehensive solutions to the clients we serve.”

WSB’s Fargo office expansion represents an investment in the region, as well as with local clients and partners.  The Fargo office will support full-service infrastructure needs throughout the government, energy and commercial markets.

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