Brighton Main Street Streetscape
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Completion Date
Completed in 2022
Brighton, Michigan
The Brighton Main Street Streetscape Project, part of the City’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan, aimed to enhance public spaces, spur downtown development, prioritize pedestrian access, and support local businesses. Completed by Giffels Webster, this project involved narrowing the lane widths on Main Street to allocate more space for pedestrians, amenities, and utilities, ensuring a safer and more vibrant street. Wider sidewalks offer outdoor spaces for businesses and enhance the pedestrian experience, while the reorganized streetscape declutters Main Street, improving overall aesthetics and functionality for both drivers and pedestrians.
These improvements not only refresh the City’s appearance but also enhance its quality of life. Sidewalk enhancements comply with ADA standards, fostering inclusivity and pride among residents and visitors. Sustainable landscaping and amenities like street furniture and lighting fixtures contribute to a welcoming environment year-round. The project’s inclusive approach, involving the input of downtown businesses in the design process, ensures that community needs are met, reflecting Brighton’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.
A comprehensive strategy prioritized safety, efficiency, and positive community relations. The project minimized public inconvenience during construction, implemented safety precautions, and enriched public interaction. This included a dedicated website for information dissemination, regular updates to the City Council, and proactive engagement with impacted businesses.
The City established a website offering alerts about impacts to downtown businesses and City staff delivered bi-weekly updates to the City Council. The City of Brighton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) enlisted local marketing firms to offer media training to retailers, deliver positive drive-time messaging on local radio stations, and establish a directory for affected businesses. The My Brighton MI app was revamped to enable community members to receive notifications and
access project information. The DDA launched events such as Downtown Brighton Restaurant Week to incentivize community visits to local retailers. Giffels Webster’s on-site representative engaged in daily meetings with impacted businesses to address their concerns, limiting complaints during construction.
The Brighton Main Street Streetscape Project has transformed downtown Brighton, improving residents’ quality of life, supporting economic growth, and ensuring long-term infrastructure sustainability. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a strengthened and rejuvenated downtown, delivering enduring benefits to the City of Brighton’s residents and businesses.
Michigan Central
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Site Planning
Completion Date
Ongoing
Detroit, Michigan
An innovative stormwater management system underpins the project, including a blue roof beneath the Discovery Platform pavers and several underground water storage basins. These systems will harvest rainwater for irrigation and manage runoff from intense storm events through advanced smart weather forecasting technology.
Giffels Webster is the professional surveyor, civil engineer, and landscape architect of record, managing the design team across multiple disciplines, including landscape architecture, architecture, mechanical, electrical, lighting, plumbing, irrigation and rainwater harvesting, technology, structural, geotechnical, code and life safety, wind study analysis, specialty soils, water features, operations and maintenance, rail coordination, and cost estimating. The firm’s
involvement spans from schematic design through construction administration. Utility coordination plays a critical role in the project, requiring collaboration with numerous departments and agencies, including DTE Electric, DTE Gas, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), and other public utilities.
Giffels Webster’s landscape architects will provide full construction drawings, specifications, and comprehensive construction administration for key project areas. Their consistent on-site presence will ensure the design intent is upheld throughout the construction process, reflecting the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and quality.
In addition, Giffels Webster is leading the project’s entitlement, permitting, and approval
efforts, including all right-of-way and easement modifications and encroachment petitions. The firm will guide the client through City of Detroit processes, such as site plan review, rezoning, special (conditional) land use, and any required variances. Permitting and approvals will also involve coordination with City, County, and State departments, including the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and the Michigan Health Department. Furthermore, coordination with Canadian Pacific will be essential to accommodate the active rail tracks adjacent to the project.
This comprehensive approach, a testament to Giffels Webster’s dedication and thoroughness, ensures that the Michigan Central Park project will meet all technical, regulatory, and design requirements while preserving the historical integrity of the site.
Sterling Landings Apartment Community
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Site Planning
Completion Date
2020
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Phase 1
Giffels Webster worked with the owner and architect on the engineering of a 91 unit Apartment complex utilizing the existing foundations and infrastructure from a former Knights Inn hotel. Giffels Webster worked with a concept and site plan that was previously approved through the City and was able to find additional parking and space for a maintenance garage/office for the development. As a part of Giffels Webster’s design, they also considered the owners desire to develop a second phase on the property to the south of this development so that future connections would be feasible.
Giffels Webster reviewed the existing infrastructure and was able to maintain most of the underground while adding in additional utility leads for new buildings and maintaining the finish floor of the buildings while still bringing the parking lot grading into modern compliance. Giffels Webster played an integral part in the Site Plan Amendment process, performed a topographic and boundary survey, prepared engineering drawings for use in permitting, prepared easement documents for the proposed utilities as well as vacated several old easements that were under existing buildings, performed construction administration, construction layout, foundation grade certification, and as-built drawings for the development once under construction.
Phase 2
Giffels Webster worked with the owner and architect on the planning and engineering of a 110 unit apartment complex that would closely resemble the first phase of the development. Giffels Webster reworked the site plan that was previously approved through the City as it was noted that the county drain running through the site could not be relocated as previously planned. Giffels Webster worked with the owner and architect on a new three-story version as well as the addition of a few of the two story building types from the first phase in order to maintain the 110 unit goal of the developer. As a part of Giffels Webster’s design, they took what was a clogged drainage ditch and turned it into an open space amenity with a small creek running through it while minimizing the impacts and avoiding a major EGLE permit. Giffels Webster once again considered the owners desire to develop a future phase to the south and west of this development so that there would be minimal disruption to the current phase if that were to happen.
The portion of the union drain that was preserved as part of this project was recently published in the counties annual calendar as “What to do” when improving county drains. During construction, Giffels Webster was also tasked with adding an additional maintenance garage which was added into the southwest corner of the development and reworked several of the underground utility locations within this area as the contractor was in the midst of construction during this design.
Giffels Webster played an integral part in the site plan amendment process, performed a topographic and boundary survey, prepared engineering drawings for use in permitting, obtained county and state permits for the additional drain work, prepared easement document for the proposed utilities as well as new easement for the drain work, performed construction administration, construction layout, foundation grade certification, and as-built drawings for the development.
Development and Tax Increment Finance Plan
Client
City of Clawson
Services
Planning
Completion Date
August 2020
The City of Clawson has a Downtown Development Authority that was created in 1990 to improve economic conditions in its downtown. Over the years, the downtown area has seen improvements to private property prompted by public investment in the district. Recognizing that revitalization is a continuous process, the DDA asked Giffels Webster to help develop an updated tax increment finance plan (TIF) that extends the efforts of the DDA into the future. The 2020 Development and TIF Plan is based on the 2015 Master Plan for Downtown; implementation is likely to take 15 years or longer. The strength of the Plan is the implementation program that sets priorities and correlates specific plan proposals with the appropriate implementation tools. The implementation strategies in the Development Plan will assist the DDA in putting the key recommendations of the Master Plan to work. Annual review of the implementation strategies allows the DDA to adequately budget for needed resources, as well as share and celebrate accomplishments with the community.
Sterling Center Apartment Community
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Site Planning
Completion Date
2022
Giffels Webster worked with the owner and architect to develop a concept that would preserve maximum parking required for a 126-unit apartment building in the former parking lot of a shopping center as well as keep the shopping center and lot within compliance. The layout was refined to allow for landscaping opportunities on all sides of the development that softens the building from the parking lot and adjacent streets. The design also provides a large open courtyard at the entrance of the building that will host a multitude of amenities for future residents.
Giffels Webster played an integral part in the conceptual design, preparation of PUD site planning documents and parcel descriptions. Giffels Webster also reworked a parcel split, performed a topographic and boundary survey, prepared engineering drawings for use in permitting and drafted easement documentation for proposed utilities, cross-access and cross-parking easements. Once under construction, Giffels Webster is also contracted to perform construction administration, construction layout, foundation grade certification and as-built drawings for the development.
Peninsular Park Subdivision Paving SAD
Client
Commerce Township
West Bloomfield Township
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering and surveying services for the Peninsular Park Subdivision Paving SAD project. This project was a Residential Paving SAD with coordination between two communities. Giffels Webster prepared preliminary estimates and coordinated resident informational meetings to assist with the SAD establishment. The project included complete milling, base repair and replacement of all existing pavement for the seven streets within the Peninsular Park Subdivision, including: sections of geogrid stabilization, placement of 4.5 inches of asphalt roadway, some road widening, storm system cleaning, spillways, ditching, structure adjustments and other restorations needed for a complete project to be done in two phases, while maintaining traffic as coordinated with Commerce and West Bloomfield Townships. The site has 164 parcels in Commerce (112) and West Bloomfield (52) Townships.
HFHS Detroit Pistons Performance Center
Client
Detroit Pistons
Henry Ford Health System
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2019
Giffels Webster was selected to provide survey, landscape architecture and engineering services for the mixed-use development in the New Center area in the City of Detroit. More specifically, the site is bounded by Amsterdam Street to the south, the railroad to the north, Second Avenue to the east and Third Street to the west. The three building development will house the Pistons Performance Center; a 175,000 square foot training facility and corporate headquarters for the Detroit Pistons, a new Henry Ford Health System Center of Athletic Medicine and a 350 car garage. Along the frontage of the Pistons Performance Center will be a streetscape that will include an array of monuments and plaques to commemorate the rich history of the Detroit Pistons. A grand statue will also be located at the southeast corner of the site at the main entrance.
Wayfinding Sign Plan
Client
City of New Baltimore and Art on the Bay
Location
New Baltimore, MI
Services
Civil Engineering
Planning
Landscape Architecture
GIS
Giffels Webster provided civil engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and GIS services for a Wayfinding Sign Plan for the City of New Baltimore. The City partnered with Art on the Bay, a non-profit organization, to tap into the community of artists for designs that would properly represent the City of New Baltimore.
The City of New Baltimore Wayfinding Sign Plan is an implementation tool that was envisioned in the City’s Master Plan. The plan established the desire to make it easier for the traveling public to locate downtown businesses and amenities. Wayfinding signs promote the established community character and open opportunities for more people to discover the amenities and businesses in downtown New Baltimore.
The existing sign inventory was performed using a GIS-based collector app that enabled the team to use smart phones to geotag sign locations and upload photos to the online database. An ArcGIS StoryMap was also used to tell the story of the Wayfinding planning process.
Next steps include funding, permitting, and installation of the first phase of signs along M-29 (Green Street). This is the key traffic artery through the community, and it provides a direct connection to downtown. After the first phase, the next set of priority signs can be installed using the same process of funding, permitting, and installation.
Little Caesars Arena
Client
The City of Detroit,
Downtown Development Authority
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Planning
Surveying
Completion Date
2017
Cost
$450 Million
Little Caesars Arena is the of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and other sports, entertainment and community events. The arena is located in the heart of The District Detroit, a 50-block sports and entertainment district contributing to Detroit’s incredible comeback with new retail, office and residential developments. Giffels Webster was the Surveyor and Civil Engineer for the project and performed the design, permitting and ongoing construction administration of site civil infrastructure improvements for Little Caesars Arena and the surrounding rights-of-way. Significant infrastructure improvements and relocations were required to facilitate the land assembly, combining four (4) city blocks into one (1) parcel. This effort included vacating portions of Park Avenue and Sibley Street and adjacent alleys. Said vacations required the relocation and reconstruction of a 42” combined sewer. Further improvements include a new public water main and sewer around the entire project site. We spearheaded the considerable coordination efforts with DTE Energy to relocate a 20” gas main and reconfigure their underground electrical network to allow the vacations and to support the new loads for the arena. New, completely reconstructed roads and sidewalks surrounding the area where designed to support the walkable nature of the development. Lastly, working closely with the National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Department of Homeland Security, Red Wings, Pistons, the State of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit and the QLine, an innovative vehicular hardened perimeter to meet Department of Defense requirements was constructed. The system provides a balance of providing the vehicular barrier required while keeping the pedestrian environment comfortable, walkable and inviting.
Campus Martius
Client
Downtown Development Authority of the City of Detroit
Location
Detroit, MI
Completion Date
2003
Construction Cost
$10,000,000
Services Provided
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Giffels Webster completed this $10 million infrastructure reconstruction project in the heart of Downtown Detroit in late 2003. The Giffels Webster Team completed the construction documents for multiple roadways on time and under budget, including: Gratiot Avenue, Woodward Avenue, Monroe Street, State Street, and portions of Michigan Avenue and Fort Street, along with new pavement markings within adjacent roadways. Each of these segments presented different challenges, including the coordination of designs with those for the new Compuware World Headquarters, the new Kennedy Square office building, three new parking structures, and the proposed Campus Martius Park.
The City of Detroit required that traffic be maintained through the project area while the construction of the remaining roadways was completed. This required the preparation of extensive detour plan and partial road closure plans that needed to be coordinated across all four roadways. This project was also the first required to prepare pedestrian detour plans, requiring research and development of general pedestrian detour routing plan standards for the City of Detroit.
Due to funding requirements, construction on State Street needed to be bid within weeks of the award of the design contract. Not only were the plans completed and bid, but construction was completed within 90 days. Total construction costs were within 10 percent of the original Giffels Webster estimate with few change orders.
Overall, the project resulted in the creation of an award winning park space and helped revitalize the downtown core. It also set the tone for large scale infrastructure reconstruction projects in the City of Detroit, particularly related to researching underground building vaults and other encroachments into the public right-of-way.
Brush Park North Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Client
The Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit
Services
Civil Engineering
Planning
Surveying
Completion Date
2007
Giffels Webster completed the design of this $7.8 million infrastructure rehabilitation program in one of Detroit’s oldest neighborhoods, Historic Brush Park. Nine adjacent road segments were completely reconstructed, including the installation of new separated storm sewers and decorative street lighting systems. In addition, Brush Street was converted from one-way to two-way traffic upon the completion of the project and two street segments previously closed to vehicular traffic were reopened. Each of these segments presented different challenges, including the coordination of designs of the replacement of water main by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and the designs for several private developments adjacent to the impacted rights-of-way.
Giffels Webster facilitated study sessions with multiple stakeholder groups in order to obtain consensus on the design concepts. Planning and technical advisory groups were established to better direct the flow of communication during this process. In addition, Giffels Webster managed the consulting team responsible for the preparation of a complete survey (topographic, utility, and boundary), infrastructure design, street lighting and traffic signalization design, geotechnical investigations and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments. Giffels Webster completed all the survey, utility design and construction administration for the program. Due to funding constraints the project was split into two phases, detail construction sequencing and maintenance of traffic plans were developed. Phase I included the portions of the complete reconstruction of the utilities, roadways and walks of Edmund Place, Watson, Wilins, John R, Brush and Beaubein. Phase II included the remainder of John R, Brush and Beaubein, along with Erskine and Eliot.
Woodbury Water Main and Low-Pressure Sanitary Sewer
Client
Commerce Township
Walled Lake Schools
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2020
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering and surveying services for the Woodbury Water Main and Low-Pressure Sanitary Sewer project. This project included providing public water main and sanitary main to 34 residential homes and an elementary school. The project involved the horizontal directional drilling of 2,000 LF of new 10” Water Main and 2,000 LF of new 2-4” Low Pressure Sanitary Main along Woodbury Street, from Glengary to the north dead end. The project also included coordinating construction with Glengary Elementary School’s construction of new public utilities and renovation project in order to meet the anticipated school opening date.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Client
Shepley Bulfinch
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2012
Giffels Webster has worked with the Detroit Medical Center on several projects in the last five years. In the fall of 2008, we began working on the surveying, engineering design, and landscape architecture for a new pediatric medical office building to be constructed across the street from the main Detroit Medical Center campus.
The entire project is targeting LEED Silver Certification, and sustainable design tenants are at its foundation. This development includes a healing garden and drought resistant landscape elements, combining the positive impacts of a patient-centered care approach with lower operational costs. The 400-vehicle parking lot was constructed with concrete and is configured to maximize landscape areas in order to combat the urban heat island effect. This parking lot was also constructed from a porous concrete section, significantly reducing the cost of storm sewer infrastructure while, more importantly, providing pretreatment and storage of the 100 year storm.
In addition to the site development, our landscape architects designed a healing garden targeted specifically toward children. This garden incorporates swirling patterns and decorative concrete that integrate with the adjacent planting areas. It also connects to the public sidewalk along St. Antoine Street, reinforcing the hospital’s mission of being a part of the community.
Newton Road Bypass Force Main and Low-Pressure Sanitary Sewer
Client
Commerce Township
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering and surveying services for the Newton Road Bypass Force Main and Low-Pressure Sanitary Sewer project. This project includes the installation of 9,600 feet of force main to provide a redundant loop that can bypass approximately 4 miles of existing force main. This provides improved continuity of service in the event that a portion of the existing force main is shut down for repairs or maintenance. The loop is predominately directionally drilled 22-inch IPS HDPE pipe and includes 13 intermediate structures. The connections at each end are made with open-cut installation of 18-inch ductile iron pipe and jack & bore in casing road crossings. The project also includes the installation of 460 feet of 6-inch HDPE low-pressure sewer directionally drilled to connect the new bypass force main and an existing stub and valve on the low-pressure sewer system in the existing subdivision northwest of Lower Straights Lake. This connection will allow an additional number of existing homes with septic systems to eventually be connected to the low-pressure sewer system.
Comerica Park and Ford Field
Client
Detroit/Wayne County
Stadium Authority
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Completion Date
Comerica Park – 2001
Ford Field – May 2004
Giffels Webster provided topographic mapping and boundary surveys for approximately 80 acres of high-density urban land lying adjacent to I-75 and I-375 in the City of Detroit. We worked closely with the MDOT Real Estate Division and Metro Engineering Division to reconfigure the existing rights of way, prepare legal description, and sketches for both land assemblages.
ALTA surveys were prepared for each parcel to allow for the sale of land from the Stadium Authority to the Lions and Tigers organizations. These surveys identified easements, properly lines and encroachments and were the basis for street and right-of-way vacations.
Detailed topographic and utility surveys were also conducted. Spot elevations were obtained for use in design of the stadiums and parking facilities. All utilities were investigated, located, and addressed including but not limited to: water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and franchise utilities.
Ford Field received a 2003 CREW Detroit Impact Award.
Clay Township Recreation Plan
Client
Clay Township
Location
Clay Township, Michigan
Services
Recreation Planning
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Webster was selected to assist Clay Township update their Recreation Plan. The update in this plan examined the community’s existing and projected demographic conditions, its two
existing park, and natural resources. Natural features include access to various waterways and wildlife areas including the North Channel, Middle Channel, South Channel, the Krispin Drain, St. John Marsh, and St. Clair Flats. Such features, however, are relatively unknown outside of the community. Goals and strategies determined in the plan included collaborating with various partners to provide and promote recreational opportunities, preserving the Township’s unique natural features for open space recreation purposes such as hiking, nature viewing, kayaking, and other passive activities, and acquiring additional land for recreation use as it becomes available.
Through productive meetings with stakeholders during the planning process, the Township was able to connect with local recreation vendors, regional recreation initiatives, and received support from a state organization for increased access to the St. Clair Flats as well as St. Johns Marsh. This included the agreement to place 5 kayak launches within the Township at DNR sites, as well as the installation of signage for kayakers along the Krispin Drain.
Southwest Detroit Truck Route Study
Client
City of Detroit, Department of Public Works – Traffic Engineering Division
Services
GIS
Traffic Engineering
Civil Engineering
Planning
Giffels Webster was selected by the City of Detroit to perform a Pilot Truck Route Study in the area of greater southwest Detroit. While this project is still in process, the successful completion will guide the implementation of truck route planning for the remainder of the city in a positive, progressive, and orderly manner which finds balance among all sides of the community.
Giffels Webster’s scope of work includes GIS spatial analysis, public web mapping applications and data synthesis; data analysis on traffic volumes and vehicle types, infrastructure review, origin and destination review, connectivity, environmental review of sensitive receptors, nonmotorized, legal and policy review, previous planning study review, and mega project impacts; stakeholder involvement, tri-lingual public engagement that fits and involves the entire community; and recommendations for implementation through spatial analysis, community outreach and ordinance. The Study provides insight at the intersection of community and business through synthesizing public comment into a contextualized spatial system in which the project team could analyze more thoroughly the areas of concern for the community, employing their given expertise and leading to a tailored solution.
Sleeth Road Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation
Client
Commerce Township
Services
Civil Engineering
Completion Date
2020
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering services for the Sleeth Road Sanitary Gravity Sewer Rehabilitation project. The project included the relining of 124 LF of 18” ductile iron with polyliner (under the Huron River) and 756 LF of 30” RCP, grout and epoxy coating for 22 manholes. Additionally, rebuilding benches and channels to eliminate elevation drops and reduce turbulent flows, removing a vortex unit and replacing with an interior drop and connection, plus coordination of temporary bypass pumping.
One Campus Martius Elevator Shaft Clearance
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide high-definition 3D scanning was required to show accurate beam clearances for a new elevator that was being built at One Campus Martius. We scanned 15 floors including the two sub-floors that are used for parking. The scan data was used to provide coordinates for survey control that was placed on each floor for the elevator layout that took place shortly after the deliverable. Also, there was a mechanical room located above the existing elevator shafts that the architects needed accurate location of equipment. Giffels Webster provided a point cloud to the architects concerning the area that was needed.
Madison Heights Master Plan
Client
City of Madison Heights
Services
Planning
Completion Date
February 2021
The City’s last complete Master Plan was prepared in 1989. While the Future Land Use Map had been updated from time to time in the intervening years, the City wanted a fresh look at its existing conditions and vision for the future. Giffels Webster worked with the City to prepare a Master Plan that specifically looks at strategies to strengthen four core areas: housing, recreation, commercial corridors and nonmotorized transportation. It does this through chapters dedicated to neighborhoods, placemaking and downtown development.
The Plan recognizes the strength of community as embodied in its 13 neighborhoods and refines the vision of the previous Master Plan to include recommendations for physical improvements as well as promote the use of the neighborhood unit to improve communication and social networks within the city as part of the implementation chapter. The Plan reinforces the importance of the arts in creating community character, promoting health and wellbeing and supporting placemaking efforts. In addition, the Plan outlines redevelopment strategies to be spearheaded by the city’s Downtown Development Authority.
The 2021 Master Plan includes a chapter on resiliency and sustainability that outlines a framework for additional short- and long-range planning. Adapting to change and discovering our role in contributing to the health of these systems is an essential to planning for a community that can survive and thrive even in the face of the most severe challenges.
The Residence at Chesterfield Corners
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Site Planning
Completion Date
2021
Chesterfield, Michigan
Giffels Webster worked with the owner and architect on the planning and engineering of a 132 unit Apartment building that had previously hit many hurdles with the Community Planning Department. The proposed apartment building was within the parking and future commercial retail space that had been built pad ready several years before. Giffels Webster reviewed the record drawings in order to get the site grading, parking, and underground utilities to work for a new residential development while preserving access to the other commercial uses in the vicinity. Giffels Webster provided entitlement services to the owner to obtain site plan approval; while doing so, Giffels Webster was able to rework the building and site slightly in order to obtain an additional 12 apartment units.
Giffels Webster worked with DWSD to obtain approval to build parking spaces over the 48” water transmission main that ran along the west side the parcel as well. During construction, Giffels Webster was also tasked with adding an additional dumpster enclosure and revising the development’s sign location. Giffels Webster played an integral part in the site plan amendment process, performed a topographic and boundary survey, prepared engineering drawings for use in permitting, obtained DWSD permits for the additional work over the transmission main, prepared easement document for the proposed utilities, removed portions of the existing easements that fell within the proposed building envelope, prepared exhibit B condominium documents to split the property, performed construction administration, construction layout.
Giffels Webster is contracted to prepare as-built drawings for the development once completed.
Grant Writing
Complicated requirements, tight deadlines and lengthy forms can hinder your community from successfully applying for grants to improve infrastructure, traffic control, recreation areas, ADA compliance and other functional and cosmetic updates for public spaces.
We have successfully prepared and submitted multiple winning grant applications for our clients, including those offered through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Federal Local Safety Program – MDOT, Recreation Bond Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and Clean Michigan Initiative Bond Fund.
Some of these projects include:
Attica Township
Township Park Playground Redevelopment
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
City of Lathrup Village
Goldengate Park Development
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
City of Novi
SCATS Signal Installation – Grand River to Novi Road
Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Grant – Michigan Department of Transportation;
Nine Mile/Meadowbrook signal upgrade (Federal Local Safety Program—MDOT)
Cottrellville Township
Riverfront Park Acquisition
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
City of Madison Heights
George W. Suarez Friendship Woods Nature Center
Two grants: Recreation Bond Fund and Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
Imlay Township
Veterans Memorial Park
Recreation Bond Fund
Attica Township
Township Park Acquisition
Land and Water Conservation Fund
White Lake Township
Vetter Park
Clean Michigan Initiative Bond Fund
City of Rochester Hills Brooklands District
Services
Planning
Completion Date
2019
Rochester Hills, Michigan
In 2017, the City of Rochester Hills developed a plan to revitalize the Auburn Road Corridor into a walkable mixed-use district. Plans for the reconstruction of Auburn Road incorporated pedestrian amenities and on-street parking to serve as the foundation for this district, but the Zoning Ordinance did not support the walkability envisioned in the plan.
When Giffels Webster helped the City update its Master Plan in 2018, housing and commercial activity associated with the corridor were highlighted. The plan’s implementation chapter included direction to amend the zoning ordinance to provide standards for the Brooklands area that align with the Auburn Road Corridor Plan.
Following public engagement with stakeholders in the Brooklands neighborhood, we developed a form-based district that allows small-scale commercial development, upper-floor residential dwellings and updated parking standards that together support the walkability envisioned by the City. The district includes requirements for building elements, materials and transparency standards to ensure quality design as well as long-term maintenance and appearance.
Daxton Hotel Traffic Study
Client
Lorient Capital, LLC
Services
Traffic Engineering
Completion Date
Spring 2020
Giffels Webster was selected to provide a full traffic impact statement, parking study, and valet operations study. This project consists of a five-story mixed-use commercial and residential building. The commercial uses will include a luxury boutique hotel with 126 guest rooms, restaurant, ballroom, and commercial/retail space. The fifth floor will contain approximately 23 rental units. There will be two-levels of underground parking to be used primarily by the building’s apartment residents, but supplementing the commercial parking needs when required.
Midtown Detroit – On-going Services
Client
Midtown Detroit, Inc.
Completion Date
On-going
Services
Civil Engineering
Survey
Traffic Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Giffels Webster was selected to provide as-needed provision of survey and civil engineering services, including parking studies,traffic studies and parking plans, maintenance of traffic plans, green infrastructure and storm water management, easement documentation, public infrastructure (roadway, alley, and utilities), and permit assistance.
State Resolving Fund (SRF) Loans
Services
Civil Engineering
Community Planning
Land Planning
Master Planning
Surveying
Giffels Webster has assisted many of our municipal clients with the preparation of Project Plans, State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan applications and the administration of SRF loans through the construction phase. We understand the process for getting SRF projects approved by the EGLE and the construction contract requirements of SRF loans.
The following is a summary of projects where we have worked with the EGLE (formerly MDEQ) Water Infrastructure Financing Section to obtain project funding:
- SAW Grant for City of Inkster Sewer Asset Management Plan, 2017-2019
- SRF Loan and ARRA Principal Forgiveness for City of Lathrup Village Sewer Rehabilitation Project, 2009-2010
- Project Plan and SRF Loans for Clinton Township District A & District E Sanitary Sewer Relief Project, 2012-2016
- S2 Grant for Clinton Township District D, 2013-2014
- SAW Grant for Commerce Township Sewer Asset Management Plan, 2013-2017
- S2 Grant, Project Plan, SRF Loan and ARRA Principal Forgiveness for Commerce Township WWTP & Scada System
- SAW Grant for Lyon Township Sewer Asset Management Plan, 2013-2017
- SRF Loan for Macomb Interceptor Drain – Macomb Element and Sterling Heights Arm, 2012-2018
- SAW Grant for Washington Township Sewer Asset Management Plan, 2014-2016
- SRF Loan for Washington Township Sewer Rehabilitation Project
The Press/321
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Client
Pyramid Development Co, LLC | Bedrock
Completion Date
2020
Detroit, MI
Giffels Webster provided civil engineering and surveying services for the The Press/321 Building. The iconic and historic building was designed by Albert Kahn and constructed in 1925. The building was originally the printing facility and offices for the Detroit Free Press. The 14-story, limestone structure was restored and converted into a mixed-use residential, retail and restaurant property. The Press/321 has over 100 apartments with high level amenities and incredible city views.
Scarlet’s Playground
Client
Commerce Charter Township
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2019
Giffels Webster helped coordinate and develop parking, restroom and sidewalk areas for Scarlet’s Playground, located in Dodge Park. Our team prepared a site plan for the original agreement to get the project started with Scarlet’s Smile, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to individuals and families affected by spinal muscular atrophy.
Built as an all-inclusive playground where all children can play together regardless of physical ability, Scarlet’s Playground is approximately 18,800 square feet. Giffels Webster converted the front row of existing parking spots into ADA-compliant spaces and developed seven new spaces all accessible by van.
Other efforts included design work for a restroom facility, concrete sidewalks and landscaping, as well as grading and staking the site for playground equipment. A team of Giffels Webster volunteers helped bring these plans to life.
Fire Hydrant Maps
Client
Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County
Services
GIS
Giffels Webster created wall maps with a street index and new run books for the Commerce Fire Department. We created a 5 ft x 5 ft township map showing roads, parcels, fire response districts, fire stations, fire hydrant locations, schools, medical facilities, parks, trails, and boat launches. An accompanying street index was created to quickly locate roads within each township section. These wall maps are hung inside each fire station in the township as well as at the township hall. Additionally, smaller, spiral-bound map books were created for use in the field. These books show the same detailed information, including addresses, broken down into one page per township section. Additional pages include detailed site plans for apartment complexes, shopping centers, and other address-dense locations. Detailed floor plans are included for schools and medical facilities.
Rochester Hills Master Plan Update
Client
City of Rochester Hills
Services
Community Planning
Master Plans
Completion
Ongoing
Giffels Webster assisted the City of Rochester Hills with a Master Plan update in 2018. The planning process started with a series of three visioning workshops: one with the City’s leadership staff, a second with the Rochester Hills Youth Council and a third joint session with the Planning Commission and City Council.
Giffels Webster included a range of in-person and online opportunities to increase participation among the general public. These include Giffels Webster’s Picture This!™ GIS-based planning tool, adult and youth surveys, open house events and more. Various marketing materials were also implemented to boost awareness.
Through these meetings, the following themes emerged and influenced the plan’s development:
- Age-Friendly Community: The Master Plan explores opportunities to provide current and future residents of all ages with a variety of options for housing, transportation, goods and services, and community facilities/resources.
- Sustainability: The Master Plan directs growth, development, and redevelopment in ways that preserve natural features, reduce storm water runoff, and enhance non-motorized transportation.
- Transportation: The Master Plan supports connectivity throughout the city and anticipate how changing technology will impact our mobility. Public input was an important component of the Master Plan process and our team utilized a variety of tools and techniques to both bring the community into meetings as well as bring meetings to the community. These strategies included two public open houses and several open meetings as well as online surveys and online platforms for photo sharing and dialog.
Detroit Experience
Client
Various
Location
Detroit
Giffels Webster’s Corporate Headquarters is located downtown Detroit and for the past 22 years, our Detroit staff has dedicated themselves to improving the overall quality of life in the City of Detroit through our core services. Giffels Webster has a successful track record and extensive experience in the analyzing and designing site improvements and a practical knowledge of developing sites within the City of Detroit. Some of these projects include:
1145 Griswold
1145 Griswold
1201/1217 Woodward
1212 Griswold
1215 Griswold
1265 Griswold
1428 Griswold
1702 W. Fort Street | Corktown Lofts
600 Woodward | Vinton Building
7441 Second Avenue | Studio Live
Baltimore Station | Phase 1
Baltimore Station | Phase 2
Brewster Wheeler
Brush Park | City Modern
Brush Park South
Brush Street Garage
Cass and York
Clark Lofts
David Whitney Building
Detroit Entertainment and Events Center
Detroit PAL Headquarters
Elton Park
Farwell Building
Fort Street Garage Addition
Free Press Building
Garden Theater
Hudson’s Site Redevelopment
Kahn Building
Monroe Block
Nike Store
Orleans Landing
Piston’s Performance Center
Statler City Club Apartments
The Albert
The Corner
The District Detroit
The Leland Building
The Plaza Building
The Vernor
Third and Grand
Wayne County Justice Complex
Woodward & Willis
Woodward Garden Apartments
Wurlitzer Building
“Z” Deck
20 E Baltimore
28 W. Grand River Micro Lofts
609 E Kirby Lofts
71 Garfield
Emerald Springs
Fox Creek
Garden View Estates
Jefferson Village Gateway Project
Jefferson Village
Jefferson Village Floodplain Study
Jeffries Homes
Kirby | Ferry Apartment
Newberry Lofts
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan | Brush Park
Tiger Townhomes
Woodbridge Estates
Woodbridge Estates Senior Living
Big Box
Cadillac Place
Georgia Street Reconstruction
Pewabic Pottery
The Belt Café Encroachment
The Ellington
Whole Foods Market | Midtown
Alley Wine
Campus Martius
CBD Transportation Initiative
Corktown | Mexicantown Greenlink
Jefferson Village Street Improvements
Livernois Streetscape
Madison Avenue Streetscape
Midtown Non-motorized Master Plan
Mt. Elliot Parking Lot
New Center Connector
Second Avenue Conversion
Third Avenue Conversion
West Vernor Greenlink
Willis | Canfield Alley
Denby High School
East English Village High School
Cornerstone Charter Schools
Alexandrine Parking Lot
Charles Drew School
WSU Thompson House
WCCCD Health and Wellness Center
Harding Canal Seawall
Karmanos Cancer Institute
Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center
University Physician’s Group
Henry Ford Health Systems South Campus
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan | Rivertown
Motown Museum Expansion
Foundation Hotel
El Moore
Midtown Brewery
Book Cadillac
GM Hamtramck Plant
Brew Detroit
DTE Headquarters
551 Michigan Avenue
District Detroit Surface Parking
Tiger Garage 2
Henry West Garage
Temple Street Garage
The Leland Parking Structure
Detroit East Riverfront Framework Plan
Little Caesar Global Research Center
Quicken Loans Data Center
Detroit Building Garage
State Street Design Studio
Adient Marquette Building
DTE Grand River Public Space (Beacon Park)
Detroit Velodrome
The City of Brighton
Client
City of Brighton
Location
Brighton, Michigan
Services
Community Planning
The City of Brighton’s Comprehensive Plan is intended to serve as a guide for how the city can continue to grow and evolve as an exemplary small town in Livingston County, Michigan. The Comprehensive Plan includes a Complete Streets Plan, Downtown Plan, Recreation Plan and Master Land Use Plan. By creating all these long-range planning documents concurrently, the city is promoting and strengthening city-wide community assets in a coordinated fashion that reflects how these assets are interrelated.
Giffels Webster initiated the project with a joint workshop with the Downtown Development Authority, Planning Commission and City Council. This was followed by an intensive NextSteps for Downtown® assessment, which included evaluation of building form, streetscape, circulation and parking.
Our planning team facilitated public participation via an on-line survey, open house and Giffels Webster’s online crowdsourced platform, PictureThis™, which provided a resource for citizens, businessowners, and visitors to upload photographs, link them to a map location, and offer comments.
The Downtown Plan establishes a block-by-block Framework Plan which specifies building frontage types and building heights consistent with planned outcomes. It also calls for expansion of pedestrian passages that link Main Street and Grand River with larger parking areas and other street frontages. This focus on non-motorized transportation also weaves through the Complete Streets Plan and Recreation Plan.
Action strategies are provided in a matrix that makes implementation straightforward and trackable. The matrix shows how various land use, transportation, recreation, and downtown actions are connected.
This project received the 2019 Vernon Deines Merit Award for an Outstanding Small Town Comprehensive Plan by the American Planning Association’s (APA) Small Town and Rural Planning (STaR) division. The APA STaR Awards Committee noted that the Brighton Comprehensive Plan “embodies the best of small town planning.”
Brodhead Armory
Client
Detroit Naval Armory
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide topographic survey for Detroit Naval Armory. The scanning was used to create the topographic survey. An Autodesk ReCap file was supplied to the architect so they could recreate the floor plan and redesign the interior of the building.
Washington SAW
Client
Washington Township
Location
Washington Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
GIS
Planning
Surveying
Cost
$2,400,000
Completion Date
2017
Under the SAW grant for the State of Michigan, the GIS team at Giffels Webster has been assisting Washington Township in Macomb County Michigan with the implementation of an infrastructure asset management system related to their sanitary sewer network. The GIS team has facilitated in the development of an entire GIS suite including data standards, advice and recommendations for GIS hardware and software, creating an on line environment where city employees can view their assets, and providing customized tablets for field data collection. We migrated existing data into a centralized ESRI geodatabase, reviewed as-builts from as far back as 1970 to identify gaps in the data for our survey team to locate, established a set data model for all sanitary assets in the township, and migrated data onto a server at the township office. Our team consolidated and reorganized GIS data in a format that has allowed for streamlined use as well as any expansion of data into the future as the township grows. Data has been hosted locally at the Township and at ArcGIS Online and has helped the Washington Township Department of Public Works view data rapidly in real time and moved them from paper into the digital world. We have set up DPW staff with Android tablets for use in the field and have drastically improved how they identify assets and collect information about asset condition. This has reduced their overall overhead and costs throughout the township dramatically. We continue to provide on-site training and assistance from everything to teaching DPW crews how to use a tablet device to creating a web server to host inspection reports on line for linking to sanitary assets.
Capital Improvement Plan
Client
City of St. Johns
Location
St. Johns, Michigan
Services
Community Planning
Cost
$15,000
Completion Date
April 2018
In 2018, Giffels Webster’s team of planners and engineers led the City of St. Johns through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) planning process using a collaborative approach that improved understanding between city departments and increased confidence in CIP outcomes by the elected and appointed officials. Creating a stakeholder committee of department heads and planning commissioners allowed for diverse input and a comprehensive view of how future capital projects may interrelated.
Our team created standard forms that allow projects and resource allocation levels to be defined. This process helped the stakeholder committee understand the overall scope of each project and how it is valued within its program area and within the community. Our team facilitated a rating process that allowed the stakeholder committee to understand the need for different projects, particularly those that are mandated by law, by agreement, or because they are a matter affecting health safety and welfare.
The resulting document is color-coded by department, making the plan easy to read and follow, particularly for members of the general public.
Macomb Township Sidewalk Improvements
Client
Macomb Township
Location
Macomb Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Webster was selected to perform the design, bidding, and construction of approximately 6,500 linear feet of 8-foot-wide sidewalk, drive approaches, and ADA ramps along 21 Mile Road and Heydenreich road in Macomb Township. Giffels Webster provided additional services that included surveying, construction layout, inspection, permitting, and contract administration for the project.
Giffels Webster assisted the township in the negotiation of easements with property owners and designing for their special conditions. In the design and construction phase, Giffels Webster worked with property owners to keep them notified of ongoing work and fulfilling their needs. ADA ramps were installed throughout the project at all roadway crossings. The sidewalk was constructed within the limits of existing developments with drainage improvements where required. The existing roadway and properties had significant drainage problems that required extensive engineering without the ability to regrade properties outside of the right-of-way.
The 10-year infill project was planned throughout the township to connect existing sidewalks to allow pedestrian traffic along major thoroughfares. The entire project was phased based on need (proximity to schools, parks, and other major pedestrian traveled locations) and budget. These sidewalks encourage safe pedestrian connectivity throughout the township.
Inkster Greenway Trail Phase II
Client
City of Inkster
Location
Inkster, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Cost
$1,400,000
Giffels Webster was selected for the Inkster Greenway Trail project that included the design, bidding, and construction of approximately 6,500 linear feet of 8-foot-wide sidewalk, drive approaches, and ADA ramps along 21 Mile Road and Heydenreich Road in Macomb Township.
Giffels Webster also provided additional services that included surveying, construction layout, inspection, permitting, and contract administrating for the project. Giffels Webster assisted the township in the negotiation of easements with property owners and designing for their special conditions. In the design and construction phase, Giffels Webster worked with property owners to keep them notified of ongoing work and fulfilling their needs. ADA ramps were installed throughout the project at all roadway crossings. The sidewalk was constructed within the limits of existing developments with drainage improvements where required. The existing roadway and properties had significant drainage problems that required extensive engineering without the ability to regrade properties outside of the right-of-way.
The 10-year infill project was planned throughout the township to connect existing sidewalks to allow pedestrian traffic along major thoroughfares. The entire project was phased based on need (proximity to schools, parks, and other major pedestrian traveled locations) and budget. These sidewalks encourage safe pedestrian connectivity throughout the township.
Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation Plan
Client
Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation Commission
Location
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Services
Community Planning
Cost
$10,000
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Webster assisted the Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation Commission in the creation of their 2017-2021 Parks and Recreation Plan. This comission serves Grand Blanc Township, the City of Grand Blanc, and the Grand Blanc School District in public park and recreation facilities and programs. The plan includes the community’s existing and projected demographic conditions, and inventory of seven pubic parks, various school facilities, trails, programs, and other recreational resources. The goals of the plan focused supporting and expanding current parks and recreation facilities, increasing public awareness and use of such facilities and programs, and supporting initiatives that support a healthy, active living and increased accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities.
Detroit East Riverfront Framework Plan
Client
City of Detroit
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Webster was selected for the creation of a framework plan for the East Riverfront area of Detroit that will guide development of the riverfront, public infrastructure investment and private commercial and residential development. Giffels Webster’s role related to obtaining a full, high-level understanding of existing utility systems and the condition all public infrastructure. We assisted in planning of roadway changes, including an extensive design process revolving around a proposed road diet for E. Jefferson Avenue to enhance pedestrian space, allow for future transit and provide protected bike facilities in order to help reconnect the east riverfront area with the neighborhoods to the north and to the central business district. Giffels Webster participated in all public outreach meetings and helped bring a local perspective to the planning process.
This project received a 2019 AIA Award for Regional & Urban Design.
Commerce Township 2 MG Water Storage Facility
Client
Charter Township of Commerce
Location
Charter Township of Commerce, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Cost
$5,800,000
Completion Date
2016
Commerce Township is located in south western section of Oakland County Michigan. In the 1940s was known for local cottage vacation destination with its many small lakes. With urban sprawl and located at the north terminus of I-275, Commerce Township is now viewed as a prime residential community and continues to grow in population. Giffels Websters has been the Township’s Engineering firm for decades and assists in its growth, including the master design to public work services of sanitary and water mains. Commerce Township acquires the majority of its water from the Great Lakes Water Authority, pumped from the Detroit River. Due to long distance and elevation from the source, Commerce Township is charged more for its water especially at peak times of the day. To improve master water design for the Commerce Township growth and to reduce the cost of delivering the water to Commerce Township, Giffels Webster designed and built a 2 MG Water Storage Ground Level Tank with pump house behind the existing Fire Station #1 on E. Commerce Road. The Township did not want an elevated tower tank, nor an obvious eyesore to distract its residents. The pump house and water storage tank were designed with similar materials to match the Fire Station while new landscaping including a retention pond were added to replace trees lost and manage storm water due to additional hardscape. Part of the project required upgrades to 3 Pressure Reducing Valves to manage the new flow. The new water storage tank project has an estimated 5 year payback to Commerce Township.
Parking Lot & Stormwater Improvements
Client
Charter Township of Clinton
Location
Clinton Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Completion Date
2016
Giffels Webster was selected to assist Clinton Township to reduce the total previous area of Civic Center parking lot. Clinton Township also requested Giffels Webster to incorporate Best Management Practices as part of the Stormwater Management Plan for the project. A number of bioretention areas replaced low point catch basin areas in the effort to reduce total runoff from the site. An existing outlet ditch was regraded and sized to meet current NPDES Phase 2 stormwater requirements for stormwater quality. The existing parking lot was approximately 35 years old with a failed concrete road surface and a deteriorating HMA surface. A new HMA parking lot and new HMA access roads were installed. An overly expansive boulevard road was reduced to a more conventional access roadway to simplify navigability within the parking lot and was a large contribution to the to 13% reduction in impervious area. A 600-foot segment of Romeo Plan Road was also replaced as part of the pavement improvements. All accessible routes to the Township Hall were installed in accordance to the most current ADA guidelines.
Giffels Webster landscape architecture services were also utilized to develop a comprehensive and diverse planting plan. Landscape design goals included the incorporation of native plant species, enhancement to natural aesthetics and the selection of vegetation with the propensity to reduce total runoff and phosphorous. Giffels Webster also prepared a 3D Sketch-Up rendering and presentation of the landscaping & BMP improvements throughout the Civic Center parking lot and detention basin area.
Harding and Martin Parks Improvements
Client
City of Ferndale
Location
Ferndale, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Cost
$445,000
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Wesbter was contracted for the design and construction of 4,500 lft of an 8 feet wide non-motorized pathway at two separate parks within the City of Ferndale. The paths meandered through the parks connecting to access points along public rights-of-way. Included in the project was the design of tow tot play structures which were ramped structures and met ADA compliance for Universal design. Decorative concrete components were designed and constructed for sitting areas and Zen gardens. The project was funded using Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants.
Beacon Park
Client:
DTE Energy
Location
Detroit, MI
Completion date:
July 20, 2018
Construction cost:
Confidential
In 2012, DTE Energy began developing a plan to activate a vacant lot located south of Grand River Avenue and west of Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit. What started as an idea for a temporary pop-up style park grew into a mammoth revitalization project to benefit DTE employees, neighboring organizations, residents and visitors of the city. The scope expanded from a short-term solution to a long-term vision of creating a beacon for the community.
Giffels Webster provided civil engineering services for the environmentally conscious project developed in an often-ignored section of downtown Detroit. The team overcame challenges surrounding urban form, process and overall vision for the space covering 1.2 acres.
DTE wanted to create a space representative of the company’s commitment to energy, resulting in many sustainable features, including a synthetic turf, storm water management, recycled materials, a green roof, and bike path access.
The synthetic turf supports small- and large-scale events 365 days a year while reducing water consumption, and the green infrastructure, LED lighting, recycled content products and native plantings showcase Beacon Park’s sustainable initiatives. Elements applied to the restaurant building, Lumen, also show the commitment and investment in greener construction.
Purposely created to provide a contemporary space for residents and visitors that is modular, sustainable and usable all year round, Beacon Park offers an inviting and lively destination for dining, music, sports, shopping, togetherness and more.
Beacon Park received a 2018 CREW Detroit Impact Award, 2018 AIA Detroit Architectural Honor Awards – Building Award, and 2018 Design Core Detroit – Commerce Design Detroit Award.
West Side Water Main
Client
Charter Township of Washington
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2018-Present
Washington Township, Michigan
Giffels Webster is providing design and construction administration services for all segments of Washington Township’s west side water main project. This project is unique because most of the water main was not able to be constructed in the public right-of-way, and private easements were required. This resulted in time consuming negotiations with affected private property owners about connection requirements as well as removals/replacements of existing permanent fixtures/landscaping in their front yards to facilitate granting of the easements and construction of the water main.
Due to rapid expansion, new commercial and residential development has increased demand in portions of the Township that were not within the limits of the existing water distribution system. The Township has undergone an extensive water capital improvement plan to serve the western quadrant of the Township. These projects have been phased to allow them to be constructed under a predetermined budget and sequentially to allow for looped connections. By extending this water main, it provides extensive fire protection and safe drinking water to existing and future residents and businesses in the area.
The Township started expanding along the western portion of the Township in 2018. The first phases were between 0.75 and 1.5 miles in length of 16” ductile iron water main. After further evaluation and life cycle cost analysis, the material switched to PVC to allow for more main to be installed each year. As of late 2021, the Township has approximately 5 miles of water main ready to be installed that will complete the northern portion, as well as an additional 5 miles to loop the western portion. The entire scope of the project is approximately 13.5 miles of water main.
Wastewater Plant Expansion
Client
Charter Township of Commerce
Location
Commerce Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2012
In conjunction with Commerce Township’s Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, Giffels Webster prepared plans and specifications for the second expansion to Commerce Township’s wastewater treatment plant to 8.5 million gallons per day (mgd). Giffels Webster also designed the first expansion which was completed in 1998.
The project initially faced a host of environmental, biological, inter-community, and legal issues that impacted the design and permitting process. On-site wetlands and a stream were incorporated into the design, minimizing environmental impacts. This challenging project required the ability to develop strong and trusting relationships with many people who were involved. This $52 million expansion project recently completed construction with minimal change orders and no major delays with construction.
Macomb County
Client
Macomb County
Location
Macomb County, MI
Services
GIS
Completion Date
2017
In 2013 the State of Michigan approved SAW grant funding for Macomb County to develop an asset management plan for their sanitary sewer system. The sheer size of the system required several contractors for data collection, surveying, and asset condition assessment. Macomb County’s sanitary system contains over 700 sanitary structures such as manholes and control gates and over 100 miles of sanitary sewer lines. The GIS team at Giffels Webster was tasked with maintaining, organizing, and coordinating GIS data received from all contractors involved in the project.
Clawson Downtown Plan
Client
City of Clawson Downtown
Development Authority
Clawson Planning Commission
Location
Clawson, Michigan
Services
Community Planning
Master Plans
NextSteps for Downtown®
Assessment
Completion Date
November 2015
The City of Clawson Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in conjunction with the Planning Commission, needed to update the City’s 2004 Urban Framework Plan and 2009 Master Plan chapter on Downtown to reflect the community’s desire for downtown revitalization within the context of its history as a small suburban city. The 2015 Downtown Master Plan Update includes illustrative photographs of the downtown as well as examples of innovative techniques for façade improvements and for making the most of small urban spaces.
Giffels Webster started the project with an intensive NextSteps for Downtown® assessment, which included evaluation of building form, streetscape, circulation and parking. Our team facilitated public participation in the process via an on-line survey and open house.
To help community leaders, businesses, and residents understand and implement the plan, our team took photographs, created graphics, and developed renderings that illustrate the redevelopment concepts outlined in the plan. Action strategies are provided in a matrix that makes implementation straightforward and trackable.
This project received the 2017 Vernon Deines Honor Award for an Outstanding Small Town Special Project Plan by the APA’s Small Town and Rural Planning (STaR) division.
Brighton Streetscape Topographic Survey
Client
City of Brighton
Location
Brighton, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide topographic survey for Downtown Brighton.
High-definition scanning was performed in the late evening and early morning hours for personnel safety due to working in the right-of-way of Main Street and Grand River Avenue. A traditional deliverable of the topographic survey was provided to the client.
This data was used by Giffels Webster as a base for the Downtown Brighton Streetscape Design project and to calibrate window façade transparency as part of a synoptic survey for the Downtown Business District Form-Based Code.
Ferndale Engineering Services
Client
City of Ferndale
Location
Ferndale, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
Ongoing
Giffels Webster has been the engineering consultant for the City of Ferndale for over 35 years. We have provided as-needed professional surveying, civil engineering and landscape architectural services to the city for a multitude of projects over the years. Some of our major tasks have included:
- Designed five miles of federally funded major road improvements from 2013-2016
- Design and administered over six miles of local road improvements in 2016
- Conditions assessment of the entire 83 mile wastewater collection system
- Program management for the city-wide, $22 million streets rehabilitation program
- Program management for the city-wide, $16 million wastewater collection system rehabilitation program
- Program management for the city-wide, $8 million water distribution rehabilitation program.
- Development of the city’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as well as the programming, training, and data population of the system
- Preparation of the City’s 5 year capital improvement plans for water, sewer, roads and parking lots.
- Review of site plans submitted to the city to make sure that they are in conformance with the city’s engineering design standards
- Development of a street pavement management system and an annual pavement preventative maintenance program
Commerce Township
Location
Commerce Township, MI
Services
GIS
Completion Date
2018
The SAW grants have been awarded across several communities in the Detroit Metro area and have allowed communities with no previous GIS data or asset management system to update their technology and to organize their city asset data under one system. Commerce Township, in Oakland County Michigan, is in the first stages of SAW grant management. The GIS team has worked to obtain preliminary data to be used for asset inventory needs estimation. This includes reviewing data provided by Oakland County for accuracy and completeness, bringing attribute information associated with sanitary network as up to date as possible under an established data model, and creating preliminary map products for township officials and engineers to visually understand the scope of work.
TownePlace Suites
Client
Truss Hospitality & Management
Location
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2015
Giffels Webster was selected by Truss Hospitality & Management to provide civil engineering, landscape architecture, and surveying services to the first half of a 4.5 acre outlet to Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills into a TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
Giffels Webster overcame a large grade difference on site by working with the City to bring the building as close to the property line as possible while only installing a minimal amount of parking in the rear of the hotel. During this design, it was anticipated that a hotel of similar to smaller footprint would be constructed at some time in the future on the additional eastern portion of property.
Troy Big Beaver Corridor Study
Client
City of Troy
Location
Troy, Michigan
Services
Planning
Giffels Webster was selected to provide the City of Troy with a corridor study for Big Beaver. The Big Beaver Corridor Study began with a vision provided by City leaders: Big Beaver Road – A World Class Boulevard. The Study proposed to transform Big Beaver Road from an automobile-dominant suburban corridor into a pedestrian-friendly urban destination.
Key concepts of the studied included:
- Organize the six-mile corridor into distinct districts. The plan divides the boulevard into districts, each with a unique character.
- Develop gateways at key entry points. Signature architecture, landscaping, and streetscape treatments will create a sense of arrival.
- Enhance corridor landscaping. Street trees will serve as a visual axis along the corridor and will buffer sidewalks from travel lanes.
- Promote foot traffic and walkability. Increased residential uses, mixed-use development, and density will boost pedestrian activity.
- Provide a variety of transportation choices and reduce the dominance of the automobile.
- Transform the corridor into an outdoor museum. Civic art will be installed at gateways and in public squares. Iconic footbridges and sleek, elegant street furniture will also function as public art.
The Study included a detailed implementation program that identifies action items and responsible parties. Since completion of this work, the City has revised its zoning code to require the elements envisioned in the plan, and new development activity is now lining the Big Beaver Corridor, filling areas where empty, underutilized parking lots once stood.
This study received the American Planning Association, Michigan Chapter 2007 Outstanding Planning Project Award and the American Society of Landscape Architects, Michigan Chapter 2008 Merit Award.
Ferndale DDA and TIFA Plan
Client
City of Ferndale
Downtown Development
Authority
Location
Ferndale, Michigan
Services
Planning
Giffels Webster was selected to develop and update the City of Ferndale’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. When the DDA’s TIF Plan was nearing its expiration, the DDA looked to Giffels Webster for assistance. Although the DDA had significant accomplishments, board members recognized the importance of ongoing revitalization efforts to continue ensuring the successes of downtown Ferndale.
Building on the momentum of the last ten years, Giffels Webster reviewed previous planning documents, assessed and evaluated the downtown, and helped the DDA update its TIF Plan with recommended actions that will lead to planning and prioritizing future projects. To generate public input, Giffels Webster created a project website, facilitated a public input open house, and
prepared an online survey. Armed with community feedback, the DDA was able to create a plan that could show the downtown’s evolution from the past into the future.
Giffels Webster performed an intensive “walkabout” assessment that addressed what was working and what needed work in the downtown area. The resulting strategies are aimed at improving pedestrian circulation throughout the downtown and connectivity to neighborhoods. The proposals in the Development Plan were then tied to the implementation power of the DDA’s Tax Increment Financing Plan.
Wayne Remonumentation
Location
Wayne County, MI
Services
GIS
Surveying
Completion Date
1998 – Ongoing
Since 1998, Giffels Webster has established over 600 government corners and approximately 90 private claims corners within the City of Detroit and throughout Wayne County. All existing remonumentation and supporting field data has been obtained by use of GPS and electronic total stations while being referenced to the NGS HARN Geodetic Control Network. In 2001, Wayne County Register of Deeds selected Giffels Webster as the prime consultant for the Wayne County’s Surveying and Remonumentation Program. Giffels Webster was responsible for the successful design and implementation of annual static GPS networks for remonumented corners.
Preparatory Academy
Client
Kahn
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2012
Giffels Webster was part of a Design Build Team for a new Detroit Public School – East English Village Preparatory Academy. This project included the redevelopment of the existing school site and an adjacent park owned by the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department. The entire project was designed for LEED Gold Certification and sustainable design tenants were followed. The 530 vehicle parking lots were constructed on site to accommodate both the student and facility parking needs, along with separated parking facilities for events at the new football and track stadium.
In addition to parking and building services the campus was developed with multiple active athletic fields. Two softball fields, four tennis courts, a football field and synthetic track were all design to MHSAA and/or national athletic standards. The synthetic track and synthetic football field required extensive fine grading and the design of intricate below grade drainage systems.
This project included the need to vacate City of Detroit rights-of-way and relocated existing utilities to allow for the new building’s placement on site. Innovative storm water and sanitary sewer pipe design reduced construction costs 50% by utilizing the existing on site sewers to the maximum capacity. The surrounding sidewalk network was also upgraded and brought into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Haggerty Eight
Client
Versa Development
Location
Northville, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
Fall 2012
Giffels Webster provided professional services for Haggerty Eight, an 8,400 sf in line retain building in Northville Township, Michigan. The existing site was part of the Meijer parking lot. Giffels Webster prepared the site survey work including topographic survey, construction layout and ALTA surveys. Giffels Webster was also responsible for preparing the site plans and construction plans for the site infrastructure design including design of the parking lots, sanitary sewer, water distribution and storm sewer. The site design elements were coordinated with the architect and landscape architect to ensure a cohesive design.
MDNR General Management Plan
Client
Department of Natural Services
Location
Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan
Services
Zoning
Codification
Giffels Webster assisted the Department of Natural Resources in the development of Tahquamenon Fall’s General Management plan. The plan outlined goals and strategies for preserving the natural beauty of the park for generations while working toward promoting greater visitor accessibility in developed area, supporting formalization of the National Wild and Scenic River Designation for the Tahquamenon River, and updating the park’s emergency park for visitor safety and emergency agency accessibility. The plan was supported and approved in 2017, and it will serve the park over the next two decades.
MDNR Wilderness State Park
Client
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources
Location
Emmet County, Michigan
Services
Planning
Completion Date
2009
The park’s campground was developed in the early 1950’s, primarily for tents and occasional pop-up campers. Today’s visitors now camp with large RV’ and many other camping toys and amenities, changing the footprint of current camper needs, recreational activities and infrastructure improvements. In 2011, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sought to identify 21st century improvements for its campers, along with related improvements to manage the campground’s impact on the park’s unique natural resources. The planning team at Giffels Webster was a part of the overall project team, and was responsible for the public engagement portion of the Lakeshore Campground Study. This part of the project was recognized with a Planning Excellence Award in 2015 by the Michigan Association of Planning.
In the early stages of the design process, it was deemed critical that users of the campground have a variety of opportunities to provide input regarding their desires and concerns for future improvements. The process included:
- Coffee hour meetings: The park supervisor and staff collected public input at 16 pre-design meetings with campers
- On-line survey: The team disseminated via email blasts to 5,000 registered campers, posted on DNR website, and sent out to the local newspapers
- Hard copy survey: The team created a hard copy survey for park visitors.
- Social media: The team created a Lakeshore Campground Facebook Page titled; Picture This! Campers and day users were invited to share their photos of the park with others.
- Website: The team created a Wilderness State Park’s Lakeshore Campground Website to share information about the study. Design concepts were posted on the website for camper feedback.
- Posters: Design concepts were posted in the registration office for camper feedback
- Campground meetings: The park supervisor and staff hosted meetings to share the design concepts for camper input
Dearborn Parking Structure
Client
City of Dearborn
Location
Dearborn, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Completion Date
2018
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering for the redevelopment of a portion of an existing city owned parking lot into a 377 above grade parking structure. This project is being completed in support of the adjacent Wagner Place commercial development along Michigan Avenue and Monroe Street. This project required civil engineering design and permitting services. Besides site/civil design, the project required design work in the right-of-ways, including the removal and replacement of all sidewalks and curbs along the Monroe and Village Drive frontages to facilitate consistent finish floors and ADA compliance at entries. New utility services were provided to the structure.
Fort Industrial Toledo
Location
Toledo, Ohio
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide topographic survey for a project in Toledo, Ohio. The client requested a point cloud with the traditional survey deliverable. Scanning allowed fewer site visits which reduced cost for field work. Giffels Webster used the point cloud for the ALTA that was performed later in the year and for additional ALTA requirements that needed to be added in 2019. The architect used the point cloud to virtually visit the site and to include the building features in their drawings.
Martin Parkway
Client
Charter Township of
Commerce DDA
Charter Township of
Commerce
Location
Commerce Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Environmental
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2011
Giffels Webster was retained by the DDA to perform several tasks, one of which was to design a connector road south from the terminus of Martin Road to the intersection of Pontiac Trail and M-5. This design will include the following four modern roundabouts at: Oakley Park Road; PGA Drive; Library Drive; and one at the intersection of Pontiac Trail, M-5, and Martin Parkway. Giffels Webster prepared construction documents for the roundabouts and the entire Martin Parkway road, including the signage and striping plans, and the maintenance of traffic plans. Giffels Webster also designed and produced the landscape plans for the roundabouts and the entire Martin Parkway Boulevard and roadside.The lighting design for the roundabouts, which Giffels Webster managed, includes the use of LED fixtures which saves energy while providing an even white light to the roadway without causing glare or hotspots for the drivers.
Giffels Webster has taken the lead management position on this project from the start. We helped guide the project though the environmental assessment to gain the appropriate approvals from local, county, state, and federal agencies. We assisted the DDA in the overall site development concepts, and managed the construction of the roadway system itself. From the earliest concepts through stormwater management, wetland mitigation, roadway design, construction engineering, and finally construction management and inspection, Giffels Webster proved how effective leadership can lead to a success for complex projects.
Police Athletic League
Client
Detroit Police
Athletic League
Location
Detroit, MI
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2017
Cost
$11 Million
Giffels Webster performed the civil engineering, landscape design and surveying for The Police Athletic League (PAL) Headquarters project that is a part of an exciting mixed-use redevelopment of the former Tiger Stadium site. Located at the intersection of Michigan and Cochrane Avenues in the Corktown Neighborhood of Detroit, the project will consist of a playing field that will host athletic events for youth leagues; concessions; 2,200 bleacher-style seats; a two-story building that will house the PAL Headquarters, the Hank Greenberg Hall of Heros exhibit space and a banquet space with a seating capacity of 300; as well as a State Police Outpost building. Infrastructure improvements included in this project are the replacement of the curb and sidewalk along Michigan Avenue and Cochrane Street; domestic water service for the State Police Outpost, PAL Headquarters building, and the bleacher/concourse area along the first base line; a fire service connection to the PAL Headquarters building; and separate storm and sanitary sewer lines. The historic flag pole will remain in the outfield of the new field.
Fairmont Historic District
Client
Fairmont Historic Preservation Commission
Location
Fairmont, West Virginia
Services
Planning
Fairmont’s Downtown Historic District provides a powerful link between modern commercial and governmental activity and the city’s past. Prominently located on a slope of the Monongahela Valley, the district is also visible from other areas of the city, and its skyline contributes to the character of the city as a whole. The Fairmont Historic Preservation Commission sought to develop standards for the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic structures, as well as compatibility standards for new infill construction.
The project required our team to build an understanding of the city’s historic attributes and distinctive features and develop standards that would ensure the preservation of the district’s unique character under a wide variety of circumstances. The process of developing standards also accounted for the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
In addition to developing standards, the project also developed application process flowcharts and revamped the applications themselves to more effectively ensure that the proper information is received at the time of application.
Holy Family Regional Schools
Client
Holy Family Regional Schools Archdiocese of Detroit
Location
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2017
Giffels Webster played an integral part in the future planning and 1st phase development of a recreation facility for the Holy Family Regional Schools South Campus. Giffels Webster performed the Topographic/Boundary Survey to initialize the design development and future planning Process. Giffels Webster performed a tree identification and location survey to meet the cities requirements and integrated the necessary tree replacement around the periphery of the site to allow for more future options. Giffels Webster researched and worked with the school in order to realize the possible sport facility uses that could be done on the site in its present configuration. Giffels Webster attended all public meetings and assisted with all of the permitting aspects of the project as requested by the school. Giffels Webster has continued to administer Construction Administration as the project has gone through the site clearing and is wrapping up the landscaping installation process.
Hilton Road
Client
City of Ferndale
Location
Ferndale, Michigan
Services
Design
Construction Engineering
Surveying
Cost
$2,240,000
Completion Date
2016
Giffels Webster completed the preliminary engineering for the $2.24 million asphalt resurfacing project located on Hilton Road from Eight Mile Road to Nine Mile Road in the City of Ferndale. The Giffels Webster team was contracted to provide a detailed geotechnical report and pavement design, programming assistance and completion of the construction documents meeting the requirements of the City and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The project will be funded with Surface Transportation Funds and approved through the Oakland Federal Aid Committee.
A major component of this project was to convert the majority of the roadway from a three lane roadway with bike lanes to a two lane roadway with dedicated, high visibility bike lanes in each direction. The City was also able to make best use of the federal funds allocated for this project and improve compliance of sidewalk ramps, construct new curb and gutter along the entire length of the roadway and install permanent roadside signage.
Completion of this project is scheduled for the fall of 2016 and will be a major part of the City’s program to improve pedestrian and non-motorized facilities throughout the City.
Water Storage Facility
Client
Charter Township of Washington
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2017
Washington Township, Michigan
Giffels Webster designed and performed construction engineering services for the new 1.5-million-gallon water storage tank, pump house, existing booster station modifications, and associated SCADA system improvements.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) provides wholesale drinking water to the Charter Township of Washington who then distributes and sells it to over 6,000 domestic, agricultural, commercial, and industrial customers. Due to the long distance and elevation difference from the GLWA sources, Washington Township was charged a higher wholesale rate than much of the customer class. Giffels Webster performed a detailed water reliability study within the Township to have an accurate calibrated computer model of the Township’s existing system, and to allow for projections in the future. Using this information, we were able to recommend a ground storage tank be constructed to even out demands and lower rates for their direct customers. By filling the tank each night during off peak hours, the Township avoided penalties of exceeding peak hour demand directly from GLWA, and distributes water directly from the tank during those peak times during the day.
Location, type of structure, and coordination with GLWA were critical for this project to reduce up front as well as future costs. The WaterCAD model forecasted future demand to determine the capacity of the tank to meet present and future needs. The Township chose a ground storage tank to better integrate this infrastructure into the surrounding neighborhood.
Lathrup Village Design Guidelines
Client
City of Lathrup Village
Location
Lathrup Village, Michigan
Services
Planning
This leafy suburb of Detroit is well-known for its charming and thriving residential neighborhoods. The City is in an ideal location along primary thoroughfares, with easy access to everywhere in the region. Hoping to upgrade their main commercial thoroughfare, the City envisioned a downtown, right in the heart of the corridor. Our team created colorful graphics that highlight the City’s vision for the area. The City uses these illustrations in combination with results of a market study to attract new businesses to the area.
Our team helped the City of Lathrup Village:
- Promote place making through form-based code districts, site standards, and the development of Design Guidelines for the Village Center District.
- Develop a 3-D model of the proposed Village Center, including attractive renderings of the City’s vision.
Detroit Transportation Initiative
Client
Detroit Partnership
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Traffic Engineering
Cost
$75,000 (Study)
$2,000,000 (Construction)
Completion Date
Fall 2014 (Study)
Giffels Webster was retained by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) to perform transportation analysis and planning aimed at determining the viability of right-of-way improvements, including converting Grand River, State/Gratiot, and Clifford/John R from one-way to two-way operation; closing Woodward Avenue between Adams and Park/Witherell; and other road diet and non-motorized improvements to enhance walking and bicycling. The report and associated plans evaluated the capacity related transportation impacts from both network modifications and a proposed build build-out development scenario. Planning level impacts on the surrounding streets and intersections were identified in the report as well as potential traffic control modifications and/or capacity limitations. Giffels Webster also provided grant application support.
Genesys Health Care Campus
Client
Welbridge | Core Partners
Location
Grand Blanc, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Cost
$20,000,000
Completion Date
July 2017
The project involves the creation of a multi-use senior living development, located on the Genesys Health Care campus, within the Charter Township of Grand Blanc, Michigan. The project is contained within a 36 Acre campus, including three buildings, one each for a skilled nursing care facility, individual living facility and independent living facility. The buildings will total more than 300,000 SF in size. Giffels Webster was responsible for all site planning, entitlements and engineering. The site will have access and collector roadways, wetland mitigation, central open spaces, pathway circulation and associated utilities.
Rochester Soccer Club Fields
Client
Rochester Soccer Club
Location
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Completion Date
2015
Giffels Webster was selected by RSC to design a facility with four soccer fields on a seventeen acre site. This site had a large graded differential and was overcome by utilizing a retaining wall along Dutton Road and tiering the proposed soccer fields, which had to be held to playable standards. The scope of work also included a parking lot design, detention modifications, and sanitary sewer extension as required by the City of Auburn Hills to meet current standards.
Millennium Park
Client
Toll Brothers
Robertson Brothers
Biltmore Properties
Location
Northville, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completed
2000
Cost
$10 Million
Millennium Park was part of a 900+ acre mixed-use development in Northville Township. Giffels Webster led the project team in developing the master plan, preparing cost estimates, obtaining approvals and permits, and coordinating the site construction.
Millennium Park is over 28 acres of active recreation including various size baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, and picnic and concession areas. This park is connected via pathways to a Veteran’s Memorial flag assembly area, which is part of a natural trail system that Giffels Webster also designed through a historically significant mature forest area.
Croswell Comprehensive Plan
Client
City of Croswell
Location
Croswell, Michigan
Services
Master Planning
Giffels Webster was selected by the City of Croswell to create a comprehensive plan. The City of Croswell’s Comprehensive Plan is composed of 5 individual plans—Master Plan, Downtown Development Authority Plan, Recreation Plan, Tax Increment Finance Authority Plan, and Neighborhood Improvement Plan—all interconnected to support the overall vision for the future of the community. The resulting plan illustrates the variety of approaches the city can take to remain an attractive place for multiple generations to live, work, and play.
The Comprehensive plan features an intuitive implementation matrix that guides readers of the town’s priorities, including who is responsible for what actions and possible resources to aid in the action’s completion. The implementation matrix illustrates how each plan is interrelated, what funding sources may be explored, and how various boards, commissions, and staff will work together to identify projects that can satisfy multiple goals.
Transportation Master Plans
Client
City of Southfield
Southfield DDA
Location
Southfield, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Cost
$50,000,000
Completion Date
April 2017
Giffels Webster was commissioned by the City of Southfield to continue their efforts furthering non-motorized transportation within two large districts of the City. The DDA and City Centre districts are two of the largest and most densely populated districts within the City, particularly with a massive influx of workers during the daytime hours. The City asked Giffels Webster to expand upon the City-wide master plan that had just been completed but providing specific recommendations for each district related to enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and transit access. Furthermore we were asked to help connect these two districts to each other as well as to other large population centers such as Lawrence Tech. After a detailed examination of the existing conditions, the resulting plan outlined specific recommendations for improvements to infrastructure for each mode. This included the conversion of the Lodge Freeway service drive into a regional connector for all modes through the use of on-street bike lanes and off-road shared use paths
Wayne County Community College District
Client
Wayne County Community College District
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to provide topographic survey for Wayne County Community College District to perform updates on their property. High-definition 3D scanning was used to capture the features of the site. This allowed additional safety for data collection within the Fort Street right-of-way. The scanning allowed us to capture the details of the main building which allowed for accurate building location and building measurements.
Ford Project D | Wagner Place
Client
Ford Land
Location
Dearborn, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Cost
$35 million
Completion Date
2018
Giffels Webster was selected to provide civil engineering for the redevelopment of two existing commercial developments and a historical hotel into a mixed-use building spanning Monroe Street in the west commercial district of Dearborn. Features include ground-floor commercial space and upper floor office space.
Besides site/civil design, the project required design work in the right-of-ways, including the removal and replacement of all sidewalks and curbs along the Michigan Avenue, Monroe, and Village Drive frontages to facilitate consistent finish floors within the retail spaces and ADA compliance at entries. New utility services and storm water pre-treatment were provided to the two sets of buildings.
Farmington Hills Sign Ordinance
Client
City of Farmington Hills
Location
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Services
Zoning Ordinance
Sign Ordinance
Codification
Giffels Webster assisted the City of Farmington Hills with a comprehensive update to its sign regulations, which are found within the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Changes in sign categories, sign lighting techniques, planning practice, and case law, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s Reed vs. Town of Gilbert ruling, are all factors that can warrant a review and update to sign law.
The new adopted sign code follows a content-neutral approach to both temporary and permanent signs. The focus is on time, place, and manner regulations, including duration of display, size of display, and materials and placement. The sign code includes many new and update graphics that help to portray the sign ordinance standards in a manner that is clear. These graphics also assist the reader in determining how to measure sign area.
Giffels Webster worked closely with City staff, City attorney, Planning Commission, and City Council to develop the framework for the changes as well as the final ordinance language. Study sessions were a useful means to explore solutions in a less formal setting.
Farmington Hills sign regulations are part to the City of Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance, which uses Giffels Webster’s Clearzoning® formatting. This makes it easy to search for terms and link from other key sections of the code.
Foundation Hotel
Client
Arco Devevelopment
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Cost
$28 Million
Completion Date
Spring 2017
Giffels Webster was responsible for the historic adaptive conversion and reuse of the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters and an adjacent building located on West Larned Street in the city of Detroit. The project converted this space into a 100 room boutique hotel and included a restaurant, lounge, office and conference spaces, fitness center, and banquet space.
Foundation Hotel received a 2017 CREW Detroit Impact Award and 2018 AIA Detroit Architectural Honor Awards – Building Award.
Southwest Detroit Greenlink
Client
Greater Corktown Development Corporation
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2009
Giffels Webster assisted the Greater Corktown Development Corporation with the implementation of their community master plan for non-motorized transportation. The plan included the installation of approximately 16 miles of bicycle facilities connecting the historic Corktown and Mexicantown neighborhoods.
Our services included the preparation of detailed topographic surveys of the impacted rights of way, along with the preparation of an environmental corridor assessment for selected areas where it was anticipated that earth would be disturbed. Giffels Webster acted as the prime consultant for this project, utilizing the services of Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) in the preparation of all environmental reports.
Once the surveys were completed, our designers prepared conceptual, design development, and construction documents for the proposed bicycle facilities. This included a thorough review of the master plan from a practical point-of-view to ensure that the City of Detroit’s standards and AASHTO guidelines would be met. It also included coordination with the City of Detroit Traffic Engineering Department and the city’s newly created Non- Motorized Transportation Master Plan (also prepared by Giffels Webster).
Our review resulted in minor changes to the community’s master plan which included cost savings that allowed the community to program a more aggressive implementation schedule. We worked with the client to secure funding and increase the overall scope of the project.
West Nine Mile Streetscape
Client
City of Ferndale
Ferndale DDA
Location
Ferndale, Michigan
Services
Design
Construction Engineering
Cost
$1,940,000
Completion Date
2013
Giffels Webster provided professional survey, engineering, landscape architecture, and construction engineering services for the redevelopment of the West Nine Mile corridor from Planavon to Pinecrest, a total of 0.50 miles. The West Nine Mile Streetscape was funded utilizing Surface Transportation and Transportation Alternative funds along with City water and sewer funding.
The project consisted of introducing a road diet by reducing the existing cross section from a five lane road to a three lane road with dedicated on-street parallel parking. Giffels Webster provided detailed engineering and landscape architecture plans for the corridor improvements, including landscaping, street furniture, curb and gutter, decorative sidewalk, concrete paver accents, ADA compliance, and pavement rehabilitation.
As part of the project, Giffels Webster designed and administered the replacement of 2,600 lft of 12 inch water main with over 30 service reconnections. The water main was constructed in stage I of the project while maintaining two-way traffic throughout the project.
Street light improvements were also incorporated into the design. 46 new decorative lights with dual receptacles and banner poles were specified. Spare conduits were provided in order to pipe music through the corridor as an extension of downtown Ferndale.
The project was awarded additional grant funds for innovative storm water management benefits by designing the parking bays as a storm water infiltration and detention system by installing an aggregate base and pervious HMA asphalt within the parking bays.
Novi Master Plan Update
Client
City of Novi
Location
Novi, Michigan
Services
Master Plans
Completion Date
2016
Giffels Webster assisted the City of Novi with a Master Plan Update that reinforces the City’s commitment to keep Novi thriving into the future.
The Master Plan Update includes the future land use plan, including residential build-out and a housing plan; retail goods and services plan; and office technology and industry plan. It also illustrates a vision for one of the most significant roads in the city, the Grand River Corridor. This subarea plan assesses existing conditions and recommends strategies for improving the streetscape and creating a sense of identity for the city. In addition, our team worked with the city to create redevelopment strategies to address three specific areas within the city that are ripe for redevelopment. The plan’s implementation strategies will help the city advance Master Plan goals and objectives over years to come.
Adrian Master Plan
Client
City of Adrian
Location
Adrian, Michigan
Services
Planning
Giffels Webster was selected to provide the City of Adrian with a Master Plan. The City of Adrian’s Comprehensive Plan provides recommendations for future land use, housing, transportation, and community development in a coordinated fashion. It portrays a clear statement of community goals and objectives, establishes a vision for the future, and includes plans to achieve the vision.
The Plan introduces numerous creative planning concepts to the City. Live-work units and upper-story residential units are recommended Downtown; infill housing guidelines ensure new development is contextually appropriate; Downtown façade improvement grant and loan programs are promoted; a Flexible Development area is planned to accommodate a large-scale, mixed use development; and bioretention and other low impact development techniques are encouraged to manage storm water runoff.
Smart growth principles are incorporated throughout the Plan. Recommendations are provided for increasing density, infill development, adaptive re-use, and redevelopment; encouraging reinvestment in the Downtown; brownfield redevelopment and re-use of existing industrial sites; promoting mixed-use development with diverse housing options; encouraging innovative storm water management techniques; and protecting the community’s distinctive character.
A comprehensive thoroughfare plan provides strategies for improving motorized and nonmotorized transportation in the City.
The Adrian Master Plan received the American Planning Association 2007 Vernon Deines Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Plan.
MDNR Trail Density Analysis
Client
Michigan Department of
Natural Resources
Location
Pinckney & Waterloo State Recreation Areas
Services
Planning
Completion Date
2009
As part of our work assisting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with the general management planning process for state park and recreation areas throughout Michigan, our team conducted a trails density analysis Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation Areas. Due to the extensive trail system that connects these parks to each other and within the region, it was clear that a complete understanding of the trails was necessary prior to developing the comprehensive general management plan for these recreation areas. Through a Global Positioning System (GPS) inventory of the 91.5 miles of designated trails within these two parks, our trails maps identified trail routes to sub-meter accuracy. The assessment included types of trails (mountain bike, equestrian, and/or hiking), primary trail users, trail widths, trail surfaces, existing trail structures (bridges, boardwalks, culverts, signage), and problem areas resulting from erosion or poor trail location. Our team involved the various user groups in the process through focus groups, stakeholder workshops, and surveys to understand existing and future trail needs. Given the lack of standards or even “best practices” for trail densities, we conducted a review of various studies from across the country. The resulting report included an evaluation of the existing trail densities, trail conditions, areas of user conflicts, natural resource impact and an assessment of the ability of the DNR and user groups to maintain and repair trails. This analysis provided guidance as to where existing trail density appeared to be appropriate, areas that revealed evidence of overuse, as well as areas that could accommodate new or expanded trails.
“The Z” Mixed Use
Client
Neumann/Smith Architecture
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2014
Giffels Webster was part of the talented design team, led by Neumann/Smith Architects, who assisted Bedrock Management Services, LLC in the development of a signature 535,000 square foot mixed-use building on Library Street in downtown Detroit. Boasting 33,000 square feet of new street-level retail space and 1,287 parking spaces in a state of the are garage decorated with original artwork by an international array of artists this is not your grandfather’s parking structure.
The development garnered its name from the two parcels of land that were arranged in the shape of the letter z. The new building not only filled these two parcels but required construction within air rights about a public alley. Giffels Webster assisted the team with the entitlements and permitting of this project, including preparation of all encroachment documents.
Giffels Webster prepared all base surveys for the project, including ALTA surveys for property acquisition and all topographic and utility information needed for design purposes. We also provided all site/civil design for the project, which included the full reconstruction of the public alley, transforming it into a pedestrian oriented space. Detailed grading was performed to provide a constant finish floor elevation and barrier free entry regardless of door location in order to allow flexibility in leasing the retail space.
In addition to new streetscapes around the building we implemented a road diet on Library Street in order to widen the pedestrian spaces to allow for outdoor dining and other activation of the sidewalks. These actions required our help in obtaining approvals from the City of Detroit for encroachments into the public right-of-way as well as the negotiation of a maintenance and indemnification agreement.
Griswold Road
Client
Charter Township of Lyon in Cooperation with the RCOC and the MDOT
Location
Charter Township of Lyon, Michigan
Services
Preliminary Engineering
Surveying
Cost
$2,800,000
Completion Date
2014
Giffels Webster completed the preliminary engineering for the $2.8 million gravel road paving project located on Griswold Road from 8 Mile to north of 9 Mile in the Charter Township of Lyon. The Giffels Webster team was contracted to provide a detailed geotechnical report and pavement design, programming assistance, right-of-way and grading easement documentation and completion of the construction documents meeting the requirements of the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The project was funded with Surface Transportation Funds and approved through the Huron Valley Federal Aid Committee with oversight from both the RCOC and MDOT.
The majority components of the project included a detailed soils analysis which resulted in a design that included the removal of poor soils including numerous areas of peat and the construction of a pavement section that included opengraded drainage course, geotextile fabric and geogrid.
Because the roadway was constructed in an undeveloped area of the Township, a dedicated storm drainage outlet was not readily available. A network of ditching, culverts and enclosed storm drains was constructed to convey roadway runoff to adjacent wetland areas and a County drain located east of Griswold Road.
Due to the anticipated increase in traffic, Eight Mile Road was widened at the intersection to provide a dedicated left turn pocket for east bound traffic. Additionally, the intersection of Nine Mile Road was reconstructed to provide a dedicated left turn lane at each leg of the fourway intersection in anticipation of the installation of a traffic signal at a future date.
The finished project resulted in over 1.1 miles of an existing 22-foot wide gravel road being converted to a 24- foot wide deep strength HMA roadway with 3-foot wide HMA and 5-foot wide gravel shoulders that includes guardrail, railroad crossing, pavement markings and permanent signage improvements.
Northville Hills Golf Club
Client
Toll Brothers
Robertson Brothers
Biltmore Properties
Location
Northville Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Construction Cost
$15,000,000
This project was the redevelopment of the former Wayne County Child Development Center situ-ated on over 900 acres in Northville Township. The property was developed under a mixed-used PUD zoning and consists of over 600 luxury homes, a retail center, a research and technology park, a township park, and nature preserve. All this was developed around a showpiece, 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course.
Giffels Webster led the project team in the development of the master plan, preparing cost estimates, obtaining approvals and permits, and coordinating the site construction. The firm was also responsible for the preparation of unified grading, construction layout, platting and surveys, off-site utilities and roads, as-builts, and final approvals.
Giffels Webster prepared the site and landscape plans for the 28-plus-acre active recreation park, including the design of a railway/pathway through a historically significant mature forest and the design of a Veteran’s Memorial with a flag assembly area.
South Campus Infrastructure
Client
Henry Ford Health System
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Cost
$4,000,000
Completion Date
Fall 2016
The project involves the construction of new infrastructure and establishment of new development parcels to form the south campus of Henry Ford Health Systems. The overall project boundary is generally bound by W. Grand Blvd to the north, the Lodge (M-10) to the east, Holden Street to the south and Sterling Street to the west. The scope of our work will include the design of all public infrastructure modifications (water distribution, storm water management, sanitary service, street lighting, traffic signalization and paving). We will also facilitate meetings with all private utility providers to engage them in their design of new private utility services for the site in conjunction with this project. This includes the design of passive landscape improvements for the “commons”. It also includes the design of streetscape amenities throughout the south campus, including the frontage of the campus on the south side of West Grand Blvd. In addition to design services we will provide new legal descriptions for right-of-way modifications (vacations and dedications) and shepherd these requests through the City of Detroit. This work will be done at the same time we prepare the Exhibit B documents for the recordation of a new site condominium to define the development parcels.
The Eddystone
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Surveying
Giffels Webster was selected to prepare a topographic survey of the Eddystone property, acquire an exterior scan of the building, and provide client with a color point cloud. Giffels Webster acquired numerous interior scans of all floors and the basement, delivered the client a point cloud, and provided a 2-D floor plan for ground floor with interior floor elevations.
Woodward Garden Apartments
Client
McIntosh Poris Associates
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2013
Giffels Webster provided professional surveying and engineering services for the redevelopment of a full city block of Woodward Avenue in Midtown including the development of the Woodward Garden Apartments. The project includes 11,000-square-foot of ground floor retail and 61 market-rate one and two bedroom apartment units. Amenities include a private rooftop terrace, secured parking via a bridge to the nearby garage and private entrance from Woodward Avenue. The project was financed under the HUD 221(d) program.
Woodward Garden Apartments received a 2014 CREW Detroit Impact Award.
Denby High School
Client
Kraemer Design Group
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Completion Date
2011
Located on the northeast side of the City of Detroit and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Denby High School was chosen by Detroit Public Schools for modernization and improvements necessary to provide a twenty-first century education to Detroit students. Giffels Webster prepared the School Site Plan Review application required for Michigan DELEG approval, which included FAA and Fire Marshall reviews.
Working with Kraemer Design Group as the professional services side of the design-build team lead by Turner Construction, Giffels Webster provided the civil engineering site design for the entryway and cafeteria additions and exterior security improvements (fencing and parking controls). A new, staff and teacher, card controlled parking access and driveway was added to the existing parking lot. Fencing renovations and improvements were performed across the entire site with decorative fencing installed along the entire front of the school grounds directing students to the new single point entryway addition. Pavement, sidewalk and storm drainage modifications were designed to accommodate the additions.
Residential Development
Client
Moceri | Burton-Katzman
Location
Oakland Township, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Planning
Surveying
Construction Cost
$8,300,000
Set amid 80 acres of woodland and nature preserves, Silvercreek is one of Oakland County’s most beautiful residential communities. The residences are surrounded by lush parks; winding, wooded drives; trailways/pathways; and tranquil ponds. Giffels Webster designed this residential development to minimally impact and preserve the existing wetlands.
Giffels Webster led the project design team to develop the master plan, prepare final design documents and cost estimates, obtain approvals and permits, and coordinate site construction. Our firm was also responsible for the design of all site improvements, landscape design, grading, construction layout, boundary and topographic surveys, and design of utilities and roads.
Giffels Webster’s wetland specialist was responsible for the delineation of the extensive wetlands within the property. Wetland boundaries were subsequently confirmed by the township consultant as well as the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Giffels Webster coordinated the wetland permit submittal and review with the MDEQ staff.
Incorporated into the landscape design are woodchip pedestrian trailways/pathways winding throughout the development, a covered bridge, and several boardwalks. These features allowed the wetlands to be almost entirely preserved.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Client
Charter Township of Washington
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
2020
Washington Township, Michigan
The Charter Township of Washington is generally serviced by a wastewater collection system that connects into the Macomb County Wastewater Disposal District (MCWDD) and eventually discharges to the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) operated by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Washington Township is the northern most community that is connected to this system and had a large majority of the Township unable to connect at all due to the significant distance away from the system and/or capacity constraints within the existing system. As part of the overall capital improvement plan and because many businesses and residents expressed the need for public sanitary sewer to expand their current businesses, the Township established a new sanitary district and constructed a wastewater treatment plant that would be able to service more of the Township.
The project included a new operations and screening building, equalization, treatment, and sludge tanks, along with an influent pump station. The treatment is performed with membrane biological reactors in an uncovered treatment tank. Work included a thorough NPDES permitting process including creation of a detailed anti-degradation statement to allow discharge into the nearby Healy Brook Drain. The logistics of starting up a new treatment plant without any customers posed an additional challenge to the project, requiring a phased start-up and simultaneous construction of trunk line sewer to facilitate existing development to connect to the plant and provide the necessary flow to continuously run the plant.
Oakland University Projects
Client
Oakland University
Location
Rochester, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Surveying
Completion Date
Ongoing
Giffels Webster has worked with Oakland University over several decades on numerous projects. The following project list was compiled to demonstrate the wide variety of services Giffels Webster has provided and represents only a portion of the work completed over the years.
Engineering Services
- Graham Health Center Parking Lot
- Hannah Hall of Science South Truck Dock
- Shotwell-Gustafson Pavilion South Drop-off Loop
- Main Entrance Drive at Meadow Brook Circle
- Entrance Approaches and Main Circle
- Service Area Improvements at Various Locations
- Proposed Sanitary Sewer to Clubhouse
- Squirrel Road Improvements
- Storm Drain Improvements to Athletic Field
- Sanitary Sewer Plan for Child Care Center
- Meadowbrook and Adams Road Intersection
- Library Expansion
- Foundation Drive and Meadowbrook Drive
- Water Main/Storm Sewer for Married Student Housing
Surveying Services
- Master Topo for Total Site
- Aerial Photo Registration
- Topo at Baldwin Pavilion
- Safety Services Topo
- Recreation Area Drainage
- Lot Topo and Lot Study at Mead and Squirrel
- Topo at Walton Road (entrances for gates)
- Topo at Quadrangle (library mall)
- South Walkway Topos at Vanderberg Hall to Health Center
Studies and Reports
- Route Study for Sanitary Sewer
- Water Supply and Connector Study
- Road Study and Plan for Kettering Lab
- Preliminary Residential Plan and Estimate
- Water System Study
Madison Streetscape
Client
City of Detroit
Detroit Economic
Growth Corporation
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Services
Civil Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Surveying
Traffic Engineering
Cost
$2.3 million
Completion Date
Summer 2015
Giffels Webster was selected to provide surveying, civil engineering, traffic engineering, and traffic signal design services for the redevelopment of the Madison Avenue corridor from John R Street to St. Antoine Street with an enhanced streetscape, including LED street lighting, brick and concrete sidewalk, planters, irrigation, and traffic signal modernization. Besides site/civil design, the project required design work in the right-of-ways, including the removal and replacement of all sidewalks and curbs for ADA compliance throughout the corridor. Other improvements included the narrowing of the street to eliminate most parking and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks.