CHICAGO – In recognition of their innovation, complexity, overall design and economic impact, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has announced awards to the state’s best infrastructure projects and design teams during its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. The top construction projects honored are transformative projects completed for the Village of Antioch, Flyover Attractions by Pursuit and Kendall County’s Highway Department.
This year’s coveted Lincoln’s Grand Conceptor Award was won by Strand Associates, Inc. for redeveloping Sequoit Creek Park from a 3.28-acre site in need of redevelopment in the heart of downtown Antioch. Strand worked with other firms to design the multiple use space while accenting the natural beauty of Sequoit Creek. The project’s scope included design of underground utilities, electrical and lighting, hydraulic channel conveyance, stormwater, hardscaping, site grading, and structural components of the project. Strand also managed bidding and contract award as well as the construction phase, providing construction administration services and construction observation through completion. Highlights of Sequoit Creek Park include a splash pad; accessible playground; public performance pavilion, firepits; and concession area with bathrooms and walkways which are all new amenities on the restored creek.
After receiving the largest number of votes cast by the public in a competition with seven other nominated public and private infrastructure projects, the prestigious Engineering Works Award was won by A. Epstein and Sons International Inc. for leading the Flyover Chicago project. Flyover Chicago transformed an outdated IMAX theater at Navy Pier into an immersive flight ride experience now enjoyed by locals and international tourists. Working with a versatile team of engineering firms, the project overcame complex structural and spatial constraints to create a fully immersive simulated flight experience over the city’s iconic skyline and landmarks. The immersive journey explores the architecture, people, sights, sounds and the culture that makes Chicago one of the most amazing cities in the world.
HR Green Inc. won the Outstanding Graphic Award for the quality of the display submitted for its development of Collins Road Extension for Kendall County’s Highway Department.
“The winning projects this year demonstrate the incredible work, innovation and creativity Illinois engineers put into the projects they complete in communities across our state,” said Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. “As we celebrate national Engineering Week, we wish to congratulate all the engineering firms who are rebuilding Illinois project by project and transforming our state. We are proud to honor their contributions, dedication and resilience.”
Many of the projects recognized this year are supported through the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, including this year’s Honor Award winners — the Replacement of the Nettle Creek Aqueduct and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) rehabilitation project. These investments reflect Illinois’ commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure and strengthening long-term economic growth across the state.
“We appreciate the recognition and the contributions of the engineering community to improve infrastructure across our state,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Projects like these happen thanks to the ongoing partnership between our agency and industry, a collaboration that keeps Illinois at the forefront of transportation innovation and investment.”
The Judges’ Choice Award winners were recognized in several categories. Clark Dietz Inc. won in the Waste and Storm Water category for its work on the Lost Bridge Force Main for the Sanitary District of Decatur, HMG Engineers Inc. won in the Water Resources category for its work on Water Supply, Treatment and Transmission Facilities for the City of Waterloo, EXP won in the Structural systems category for Replacement of Nettle Creek Aqueduct for the Capital Development Board; Strand Associates Inc. won in the Special Projects category for developing Sequoit Creek Park for the Village of Antioch and Primera Engineers Ltd. won in the Building/Technology Systems category for Sheffield Senior and Residences for the Chicago Housing Authority.
“The projects honored at this year’s awards are well designed, solidly built and transformative,” said Jerald T. Payonk, Chair of the ACEC Illinois Board of Directors. “Ranging from construction of roadways to bridges and public spaces, the award winning projects reflect the high standard of work by Illinois engineers as they undertake the task of modernizing our state’s infrastructure. We congratulate the winners for a job well done.”
Other Judges’ Choice award winners are CivilTech Engineering, Inc who took away the prize in the Innovative and Effective Use of Construction Materials category for Washington Street Bridge and Downtown Streetscape Improvements for the City of Naperville, Farnsworth Group, Inc. won in the Studies Research and Consulting category for the UIUC Rainwater Management Program for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Benesch won in the Public Engagement & Communications category for its public involvement the construction of Hunt Club Road and Stearns School Road Intersection for the Lake County Division of Transportation, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. won in the Environmental category for Link Logistics, FedEx Distribution Center, Elmhurst, Illinois Embankment Restoration Project for Link Logistics, Terra Engineering, Ltd won in the Small Projects category for its restoration work on Botany Pond for the University of Chicago and HDR won in the Transportation category for its work on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Over 87th Street and Roberts Road for Illinois Tollway.
About the American Council of Engineering Companies
Representing hundreds of companies, we are the voice of the engineering industry in Illinois. With roots dating back more than 100 years, ACEC Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. Our primary mission is to strengthen the business environment for our member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. For more information, please visit www.acecil.org.