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Newsletter | Issue 1 | 2019

Newsletter | Issue 1 | 2019

Fall 2018 Update from Bret Weiss

Fall is here which means the Minnesota golf season is ending and winter is on its way. I am not a winter sport guy, so this season gives me a chance to evaluate our year and start planning for 2019 and the new services and markets that we are going to pursue. This has been a challenging year on many levels. Choosing to grow, expand, and improve does not happen easily and yet it’s necessary to the sustainability of any organization.

We continue to mourn the loss of Vern Hedquist, a valued staff member who was killed earlier this fall on a job site. We know that this loss is much more difficult for his wife, Cindy, and his family. Finding solutions to design and manage projects while facing the reality of construction zone dangers with the increasing number of inattentive drivers is never far from our minds. We have been buoyed by the kind support from you and all our friends in the industry. Thank you for showing how much you care. My coach Lou Holtz always said, “People want to know that you care.” That care came through in a very strong way. One of the things that we know all too well is that life doesn’t stop for anyone.

In October we celebrated our 23rd anniversary and have accomplished a lot this year thanks to our clients. It is so helpful to have clients that are willing to partner with us to find new ways to deliver solutions. We have a strong entrepreneurial culture which fuels our passion for innovation and curiosity. We have developed new software applications that are being used by real estate and alternative energy developers throughout the country. Our pipeline group now reaches across the country and continues to grow and develop. We hope it’s clear that we never shy away from trying something new and we don’t back down from a challenge. Please continue to challenge us.

We recently rebranded. We know that changing a logo or mark doesn’t inherently change a company. In our case, we were searching to align who we are as a company with our mark and messaging. We are a bold company with a vision to find ways to improve our industry. This is expressed with passion and energy and for the sake of our staff, we needed a change. Who we are has not changed, but how we express it has. We will continue to improve our processes, quality, and solutions as we move into 2019.

I want to share one final quote that I love, and typifies our staff at WSB. “It is not simply the brightest who have the best ideas; it is those who are the best at harvesting them from others. It is not only the most determined who drive change; it is those who most fully engage with like-minded people. And it is not wealth or prestige that best motivates people; It is respect and help from your peers.” – Alex “Sandy” Pentland, Director of MIT’s Human Dynamics Laboratory

Thanks for continuing to inspire us every day.

Bret Weiss, President/CEO

WSB rolls out new brand, cites significant growth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 13, 2018

WSB rolls out new brand, cites significant growth

Minneapolis, MINN. – WSB today announced a new brand, including an updated logo and website, on the heels of record expansion and growth for the company. Now the second-largest engineering firm in the Twin Cities, WSB was founded in 1995 with five staff, one office, and three different services areas. Today, the company offers services in more than 25 areas, employs more than 450 people, and has expanded its markets beyond Minnesota with 12 offices across four different states. In 2017 alone, WSB opened three new offices in Denver, CO; Dallas, TX; and Fargo, ND.

“This new brand is more reflective of who we are today,” said Bret Weiss, president and CEO of WSB. “Our values haven’t changed, but our scope, services and expertise have grown, allowing us to be the innovative, forward-thinking partner our clients have come to expect. Collaboratively, we are building bold solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives.”

WSB is a professional consulting and design firm providing engineering, planning, environmental and construction services to clients in the government, energy and commercial markets. The firm has worked on a variety of high-profile projects, including Highway 371, Highway 53, the St. Anthony Advanced Oxidation Plant, Victory Memorial Drive, and the Minnesota Autonomous Bus Pilot Project.

Learn more about the new look and feel at wsbeng.com.

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About WSB

WSB is a design and consulting firm providing engineering, planning, environmental, and construction services. Our staff of over 450 improve the way people engage with communities, transportation, infrastructure, energy and our environment. We offer services in over 25 complementary areas to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation. Our coast-to-coast client base is served from 12 offices in four states.

Our staff is inspired to look beyond today and capitalize on the opportunities of tomorrow. Guided by a strong vision and an authentic passion, we are a company that strives to forge ahead.

Southwest LRT Groundbreaking

One of Minnesota’s largest infrastructure projects officially moves into construction.

WSB acted as West Segment Water Resources Lead for Metro Transit. 

Federal, state, and local officials gathered in Hopkins to break ground on the Southwest LRT project in late November. The $2.003 billion project will be the largest infrastructure project in the state’s history and is expected to create 7,500 construction jobs, with an estimated $350 million payroll.

Our Water Resources and Environmental Compliance teams assisted Metro Transit as the West Segment Water Resources Lead. We completed the erosion and sediment control design, storm sewer design, permitting, bridge and wall drainage work. Our team was also responsible for identifying and designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to meet permitting requirements and designed the storm sewer infrastructure that will connect existing municipal and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) systems to one another. Additionally, we prepared water resources-related documents, including preparing plans and specifications, quantifying wetland and floodplain impacts, completed hydraulic analysis for risk assessments and performed water quality analysis of the proposed BMPs.

WSB receives Honor Award

WSB receives Honor Awards from the American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC-MN)

The American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC-MN) awarded WSB with two Honor Awards for the Afton Old Village Preservation and Corridors of Commerce – Scope and Project Selection at the Excellence in Engineering Awards Banquet in Minneapolis on Friday, January 25.

For over fifty years, the association has been recognizing outstanding engineering projects through their awards program. Minnesota engineering firms across the state enter their most innovative projects and studies hoping to be recognized for the work they’ve done to make the state stronger.

Subhead: Afton Old Village Preservation | ACEC Honor Award
WSB worked with the City of Afton and Washington County to reconstruct the 160-year-old Old Village of Afton. WSB led an eight-year process that assembled the project vision, procured stakeholder funding, prepared preliminary design, final design, construction administration and coordination with tribal communities. The project revitalized the Old Village of Afton, protecting the historic properties and restoring the opportunity to revitalize the downtown area of the City. This $20 million effort included new sanitary collection and treatment system; reconstruction of all County and local roads; new trails; levee reconstruction; stormwater enhancements, ADA improvements and provided 100-year flood protection to protect the Old Village of Afton over the next century.

Subhead: Corridors of Commerce – Scope and Project Selection | ACEC Honor Award
WSB’s Transportation and Structures Group assisted the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in evaluating proposed projects for the department’s Corridors of Commerce program. Created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2013, the program is tasked with adding additional state highway capacity and reducing barriers to commerce. MnDOT requested public input to identify the location of transportation chokepoints and needed improvements in the state’s highway system. Using high-performance software, the project team was able to develop a concept design plan for each of the 167 projects, providing data to analyze against MnDOT’s evaluation criteria. This concept work was completed for all 167 projects within a handful of weeks.

WSB receives ACEC-MN Honor Awards

WSB receives Honor Awards from American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC-MN)

On Friday, January 25, the American Council of Engineering-Minnesota (ACEC-MN) awarded WSB  two Honor Awards for the Afton Old Village Preservation and Corridors of Commerce – Scope and Project Selection at the Excellence in Engineering Awards Banquet in Minneapolis.

For over fifty years, the association has been recognizing outstanding engineering projects through their awards program.  Minnesota engineering firms across the state enter their most innovative projects and studies hoping to be recognized for the work they’ve done to make the state stronger.

Afton Old Village Preservation | ACEC Honor Award

WSB worked with the City of Afton and Washington County to reconstruct the 160-year-old Old Village of Afton.  WSB led an eight-year process that assembled the project vision, procured stakeholder funding, prepared preliminary design, final design, construction administration and coordination with tribal communities.  The project revitalized the Old Village of Afton, protecting the historic properties and reinvigorating the downtown area of the City. This $20 million effort included a new sanitary collection and treatment system; reconstruction of all County and local roads; new trails; levee reconstruction; stormwater enhancements, ADA improvements and provided 100-year flood protection to protect the Old Village of Afton over the next century.

Corridors of Commerce – Scope and Project Selection | ACEC Honor Award

WSB’s Transportation and Structures Group assisted the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in evaluating proposed projects for the department’s Corridors of Commerce program. Created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2013, the program is tasked with adding additional state highway capacity and reducing barriers to commerce. MnDOT requested public input to identify the location of transportation chokepoints and needed improvements in the state’s highway system. Using high-performance software, the project team was able to develop a concept design plan for each of the 167 projects, providing data to analyze against MnDOT’s evaluation criteria. This concept work was completed for all 167 projects within a handful of weeks.

WSB receives CEAM Honor Award

WSB receives honorable mention for Project of the Year from the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM)

WSB’s Afton Old Village Preservation Project received an honorable mention for Project of the Year at the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) Annual Conference on Wednesday, January 30.  Each year, CEAM honors the special achievements of engineers and recognizes outstanding engineering projects at their Annual Conference. This is the second consecutive year our firm has received an honorable mention for Project of the Year. Our firm was recognized for our contributions to the St. Anthony Village Advanced Oxidation Water Treatment Plant in 2018.

Afton Old Village Preservation | CEAM Project of the Year Honorable Mention

WSB worked with the City of Afton and Washington County to reconstruct the 160-year-old Old Village of Afton.  The project revitalized the Old Village of Afton, protecting the historic properties and restoring the opportunity to revitalize the downtown area of the City. This $20 million, eight-year effort included new sanitary collection and treatment system; reconstruction of all County and local roads; new trails; levee reconstruction; stormwater enhancements, ADA improvements and provided 100-year flood protection to protect the Old Village of Afton over the next century.

WSB assists City of North Branch to secure $400,000 grant

WSB assists City of North Branch to secure $400,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

The City of North Branch has received a $400,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The City of North Branch will use grant dollars for the installation of a trunk water line along 400^th Street, under I-35.  The existing water system serving the 400^th Street industrial park is currently unable to provide adequate fire flows and water volume, preventing commercial and industrial development.  The trunk facility will be installed in 2019, and is a critical component of the city’s water infrastructure system. The intent and hope of the trunk line is to spur economic momentum throughout the 250-acre industrial park.

The Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Program Grant helps stimulate new economic development, create new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure. It provides grants to cities of up to 50 percent of the capital costs of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Lee Gustafson, WSB Senior Project Manager, is the City of North Branch’s City Engineer.  Gustafson completed the grant application on behalf of the City of North Branch.

Hyatt House-Civic on First Groundbreaking

Community leaders and local residents gathered in downtown Rochester yesterday to break ground on the Hyatt House-Civic on First project. Referred to as the “new gateway to the city”, the $46 million project features a 172-room extended stay hotel.

Formerly the home of the beloved community watering hole, American Legion Post 92, the Hyatt House has a large footprint to fill. The over 30-year-old downtown establishment bid a bittersweet farewell to Civic Center Drive and its loyal patrons, but remained optimistic for future development efforts. The Hyatt House hotel is expected to connect the Rochester community and Mayo Clinic campus and spur economic development growth in the area.

Our Land Development team assisted EKN Development Group, PEG Companies, and HKS as the Planning and Entitlements Lead. We completed the planning and entitlement process, civil engineering, geotechnical, survey, and landscape architecture work. Completion for the Hyatt House project is anticipated for summer 2020.

Q&A with Bill Tointon – Celebrating 50 Years

Bill Tointon is a Senior Planner at WSB focusing on our Land Development efforts in Rochester.

Throughout his career, Bill has been involved in the design of approximately 25,000 acres of land for residential, commercial, industrial and redevelopment projects. He has served the Rochester community with their land development needs for 50 years.

Q: Congratulations on 50 years! When you reflect on your career to date, what stands out as the most memorable or impactful moment?
A: I would say the most significant part of my career is that I was able to maintain a 96 percent ratio of success in obtaining project approvals from governmental political bodies including city councils, county boards, planning commissions, environmental boards, and township boards.
It’s difficult for me to highlight one specific memorable project since they have all impacted me in different ways. If I had to choose I would say working on the Mayo Woodland project definitely stands out. It took three years to approve special zoning to complete the project. Once approved, it was featured in the New York Times and on the Paul Harvey News. The media called it an innovative project in America’s heartland and it involved the heirs of the world-famous Mayo family, often called America’s physicians.

Q: Is there something you wish you would’ve known when you first started that you learned during your career?
A: It takes a significant level of effort to be successful in the practice of private development – more than I had expected. It’s important to be optimistic, place emphasis on accuracy, and also be very articulate. I often say to colleagues, “Being 90 percent accurate is not a passing grade in the private development industry.”

Q: How have you seen the industry change over the last 50 years?
A: I would say the largest change that I’ve noticed is the continual decrease in the number of private development firms and individuals that are willing to take on the risks associated with this industry. Throughout the last five decades, I’ve experienced all stages of the economic cycle. The companies that have survived these cyclical changes have good investors or have been very fiscally responsible.

Q: How have you changed over the last 50 years?
A: Over the years I’ve realized how important relationship building is. When you’re working with clients, you’re not just doing a “job.” Elements of our business can be incredibly personal. I’ve been lucky to build longstanding relationships with clients and colleagues throughout the years. I didn’t realize how important this was when I first started out.

Q: In what direction do you see this industry heading?
A: The private development industry players are constantly changing. Unfortunately, the clients you have today may not be in business five or ten years in the future. The level of sophistication in the industry is increasing along with the acceptance and understanding that modern technology is the new normal. Lately, I’ve noticed a shift into private developers focusing on more niche markets. I think the future looks bright for private development. I’ve witnessed many changes throughout the years – some bad, but most good.

Q: How has the Rochester community impacted your professional career?
A: The diversity of the Rochester community has allowed me to broaden my career and be more innovative when applying new design criteria. What’s unique about the community is how involved and hands-on the governmental bodies are here. They often participate in design critiques and really embrace new ideas and creativity.

Q: You’ve worked on several projects in Rochester throughout your career. What has surprised you about the changing landscape?
A: The city has surprised me. It’s changed so much. Rochester went from a small size community in the heartland of the Midwest to a metropolitan city center with high-rises and a booming downtown. The economic momentum here is motivating. It’s been impressive to witness.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is new to our industry?
A: The best advice I can give someone entering this industry is to be persistent in your approach to problem solving and don’t take no for an answer. Create your own style and embrace it. I would also tell them that teamwork is necessary and not an option. Surround yourself with people you trust and that you can depend on. It will make your career enjoyable and give you tremendous support.