Portfolio

Sterling Heights Neighborhood Park Improvements

The City of Sterling Heights has five major parks and 26 neighbor parks. In November 2016, the residents of Sterling Heights passed the Recreating Recreation millage to fund approximately $45 million in proposed parks and recreation improvements.

Dorchen/Martin Associates was chosen by the City to provide architecture and planning services for its park improvements. Dorchen/Martin in turn contracted with NFE to provide civil engineering and land surveying services.

The first round of parks to get improvements included six neighborhood parks. NFE’s scope of work for each park included topographic surveys, engineering site plans, soil erosion control plans, construction staking, construction administration and inspection services during construction. The following is a listing of the six parks and the improvements made:

  • Hadley Park - Resurfaced paths and new play structure
  • Imus Park – New road from Dodge Park Road, new sidewalks, resurfaced paths and resurfaced athletic courts
  • Chappelle Park – New sled hill, new play structure, new pavilion and resurfaced paths
  • Hampton Park – New parking lot, resurfaced athletic courts, new play structure, new pavilion and resurfaced paths
  • Washington Square Park – Resurfaced athletic courts, new pavilion, new play structure and resurfaced paths
  • Delia Park - Resurfaced tennis courts

Related Projects

  • All
  • Construction Administration
  • Construction Engineering
  • Consulting
  • Engineering Design
  • Land Surveying
  • Study and Evaluation
  • Topographic Survey

Statewide State Parks Utility Study & Implementation

NFE was retained by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study, design evaluation and construction implementation of below ground sewer and water systems at eight state parks, including:

  • Burt Lake State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Mitchell State Park
  • Seven Lakes State Park
  • Otsego Lake State Park
  • Ionia State Park
  • Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
  • Hayes State Park

The overall goal of the Statewide Utility Study and Implementation project was to evaluate each park’s existing ground water and sewer infrastructure; make recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions; provide preliminary layouts and cost for proposed upgrades, repairs and improvements; and finally implement the construction portion of the proposal. Specifically, NFE focused on water wells, water distribution systems, sanitary systems, lagoons, septic systems, barrier-free access and site drainage.

Each park project was successfully completed within, or under, budget and schedule.

Related Projects

Statewide State Park Campgrounds Electrical System Analysis Study

NFE was retained by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study and evaluation of the campground electrical systems at eight state parks, including:

  • Baraga State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Traverse City State Park
  • Sleepy Hollow State Park
  • Lakeport State Park
  • Muskallonge Lake State Park
  • Rifle River State Recreation Area
  • Yankee Springs Recreation Area

The overall goal of the statewide electrical system study and implementation was to evaluate each park’s existing electrical infrastructure, make recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions, and provide preliminary layouts and cost for proposed campground electrical systems. Specifically, NFE focused on public electrical services, transformers, distribution panels, electrical pedestals, controls for pump and utility systems, building systems (circuit panels), electrical distribution systems and barrier-free access. NFE provided DTMB and DNR with a detailed program allowing the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to make prudent reinvestment decisions.

Related Projects

State of Michigan Capitol Complex Master Plan

The State of Michigan’s Capitol Complex in Lansing is the symbolic center of the state’s democracy. With over 1.5 million visitors per year and approximately 14,355 state employees, the desire was to develop a Master Plan that honors and uplifts visitors and employees, while also supporting state activities and programs.

NFE provided the State of Michigan’s DTMB with design and implementation of the Capitol Complex Master Plan. NFE’s design team used a creative approach for redeveloping the site, addressing elements such as pedestrian circulation, parking, irrigation and ornamental horticulture. In order to ensure the project would ultimately add value to the environment of everyday users, NFE’s team performed a user survey of employees and staff, gaining insider knowledge of relevant services.

Top priorities for the design and implementation was considering cost, functionality and sustainability. The project will create a safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing campus environment for government leaders, state employees and visitors.

Project Highlights:

  • Introduction of additional green space
  • Integrate systems and technology
  • Improved way-finding
  • Additional aesthetic characteristics
  • Simplify long-term maintenance
  • Improved lighting, security and ADA access

Related Projects

St. Charles Residential Development

St. Charles, a former Catholic school in Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, was developed into 25 condominium units, and a new 10-unit apartment building was developed next to the school. NFE provided professional land surveying and civil engineering services for this condominium/apartment project. The work comprised of boundary, topographic and as-builts surveys; site plan development; construction documents; and landscape plans.

An additional floor on top of the three-story, century-old school was added for the school to be developed into 25 luxury condominiums with high ceilings, an open concept design and secured outdoor space. The three-story, 10-unit apartment building next to the former school was construction in the empty lots where homes used to be. Construction begin on both projects in the summer of 2017, and was completed in the spring of 2018.

NFE is proud to have been part of this residential development, restoring a historical school building and revitalizing an abandoned area. In a small way, this is helping to keep Detroit’s history intact.

Related Projects

Springwells Industrial Subdivision Land Acquisition

NFE was retained by the City of Detroit Economic Development Corporation (DEGC) to prepare survey documents to facilitate the purchase and land transfer associated with the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project within the City of Detroit. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a planned bridge and border crossing to be constructed across the Detroit River. The crossing, as proposed, will connect Detroit and Windsor by linking I-75 and I-94 in Michigan with the new extension of Highway 401 (called the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway) in Ontario. This route will provide uninterrupted traffic flow, as opposed to the current configuration with the nearby Ambassador Bridge, which connects to city streets on the Canadian side. The bridge is named after Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, who was best known for his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings.

NFE’s surveying services is accommodating land acquisition within the city’s Springwells Industrial Subdivision. Services include preparation of ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, ACT 132 Surveys, and Amended Plats for the new property configurations. Additionally, NFE is providing surveying services in support of geotechnical investigations for property acquisitions.

Related Projects

S. Troy Street Parking Lot & DDA Streetscape Improvements

The City of Royal Oak – Engineering Department contracted with NFE to provide land surveying, engineering design, and construction engineering services for the South Troy Street Parking Lot and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Streetscape Improvements project. The project called for adding 90 parking spaces on the city-owned land at the corner of South Troy and Third Street, just south of the Farmers Market, along with streetscape improvements on 11 Mile and South Troy.

The scope of work included underground storm water detention system, concrete curb installation, HMA pavement, concrete sidewalks, ADA sidewalk ramps, and decorative streetscape plan in accordance with the City of Royal Oak’s design standards. The streetscape plans included new street lights, ornamental street trees, irrigation and pavers.

The project was completed in late August 2015 just in time for the Arts, Beats and Eats festival on Labor Day weekend.

Related Projects

Royal Oak Schools Surveying and Site Development

NFE performed professional engineering and surveying services for more than six of Royal Oak Schools District’s facilities. Most of the projects included boundary and topographical surveys, along with site engineering. The facilities included:

  • Keller Elementary School – Boundary and Topographical Survey (2015)
  • Churchill Community Education Center – Boundary and Topographical Survey (2015)
  • Royal Oak Middle School – Boundary and Topographical Survey (2013)
  • Royal Oak High School – Boundary and Topographical Survey (2013)
  • Longfellow Elementary School – Survey and Site Engineering (2008)
  • Lincoln Elementary School – Survey and Site Engineering (2006)

A number of surveys were performed to section land for new developments. NFE was retained by a number of private developers that purchased land parceled off from the Royal Oak School District.

Related Projects

Romeo Community Schools Barnabo Athletic Field Improvements

As part of the Romeo Community Schools’ bond proposal passed in 2016, NFE provided land surveying and civil engineering services for improvements to the Barnabo Athletic Field. NFE wasn’t new to Barnabo as we provided the same services back in 2008 when the field was first built.

NFE prepared engineering plans for demolition, site, grading, paving, storm water management, utility, synthetic turf field, paved track, soil erosion and sediment control, and site restoration. Improvements to the field area included:

  • Existing football and grass play surface replaced with synthetic turf up to the running track
  • Synthetic turf placed atop a layer of drainage stone and underlying drainage pipes to rapidly convert storm water from the playing field
  • New field with an underlying “shock pad” to reduce GMAX ratings and provide a safer playing surface
  • Below grade power and water sources provided at the 50-yard line for team use
  • Existing 400-meter asphalt track removed and fully reconstructed, including application of a black polyurethane coating and structural spray overlay to protect against future water penetration
  • New ADA compliant concrete sidewalks going to enlarge grandstand areas, field area and new concession building
  • A new shot-put area with a concrete pad, aluminum stops and landing zone
  • New discus area with concrete pad and discus cage with safety net
  • New long jump area with concrete runway, all-weather surfacing, 12-inch concrete curbing, sand infill and plywood take-off board
  • New pole vault area with paved runway of synthetic all-weather material and stainless-steel trays

Construction on the Barnabo Athletic Field was completed at the end of August 2017 just in time for the 2017-2018 school year and Romeo Bulldogs football season.

Related Projects

Right-Turn Lane Improvements at Brewster & Butler Roads

As part of Rochester Hills 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan for street improvements, the City of Rochester Hills contracted with NFE to provide right-turn lane improvements for both Brewster and Butler roads. Each road was experiencing traffic congestion and back-up delays. NFE’s scope of work for each project included field investigation, surveying, engineering plans, and both office and field construction administration services. A tree survey was conducted for each site, identifying the species and condition.

The work for Brewster Road included the extension of the existing right-turn lane from Brewster Road onto Walton Boulevard. Improvements included asphalt pathway removal and replacement, ADA walking path improvements, asphalt placements, updated signage, minor utility improvements, and associated project restoration.

The work for Butler Road included the installation of a new dedicated right-turn lane from Butler Road onto southbound Adams Road along with widening of the Butler/Adams road intersection. Improvements included tree removal, walkway upgrades, minor utility improvements, asphalt placements, ADA walking path improvements, new ADA ramp installation, updated signage, and associated project restoration.

Construction on both projects started at the end of April 2016 and were completed the end of June 2016. Both projects were a success and turning right at each intersection was less of a hassle for travelers.

Related Projects

Quonset Hut Village Alternative Housing Development

A Quonset hut village called True North is a new alternative housing project in Detroit, Michigan. NFE provided professional land surveying and civil engineering services for this 7,500-square-foot residential development. The work comprised of boundary and topographic surveys, demolition plan and site plan, including utility design. NFE was also retained to provide construction staking services.

True North is located at the corner of 16th Street and Hancock Street, northeast of Downtown Detroit. The 8-unit housing project features Quonset huts which are half-moon shaped structures whose walls and roof are made of corrugated steel. The nine live/work rental units have full utilities, bathrooms, kitchens and security measures.

True North received an honorable mention in the 2017 Progressive Architecture Awards from Architect magazine. NFE is proud to have been part of this unique, award-winning housing project.

Related Projects

Pierce and Merrill Streets Paving and Streetscape Improvements

NFE provided the City of Birmingham with surveying and civil engineering services for the 1.12-mile concrete roadway reconstruction project of Pierce Street and Merrill Street in downtown Birmingham.

The roadway reconstruction project included water main, combined sewer and storm drain utility upgrades, and streetscape improvements. The streetscape improvements included sawcut concrete sidewalk, exposed aggregate sidewalk, and upgrades to street lighting, all in coordination with the improvements previously made in the downtown streets surrounding City Hall and Shain Park four years before.

NFE was lead consultant and provided a wide range of services. Preliminary engineering included right-of-way and topographic surveying, and preparation of roadway construction plans and specifications. Construction engineering included construction layout and construction staking. Post construction engineering included as-built surveying of constructed utilities and associated updates to the utility mapping on the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

The project was selected for the 2013 American Public Works Association (APWA) Detroit Metro Branch Award in the Transportation Category, less than $5 million Division. Also, it was awarded the 2013 Michigan Concrete Association Award of Excellence in the Urban Arterials category.

Related Projects

Paint Creek Trail Surveying Services

NFE was retained by the Paint Creek Trailways Commission to perform a boundary survey of the entire 7.5-mile reach of the Paint Creek Trail. This historical corridor was plagued with encroachment issues from neighboring properties where some residents built improvements within the trail right-of-way to improve their access to the trail and accentuate their use. Unfortunately, these improvements detracted from the rural character of the trail and promoted inconsistent aesthetics for trail users.

After much deliberation, the Trailways Commission retained the services of NFE to perform a boundary survey of their property and to determine the extent of the various encroachment onto the Paint Creek Trail. In completing this task, NFE identified 60 property encroachments onto the trail.

Once the encroachments were determined, NFE assisted the Trailways Commission in resolving the various property disputes. In particular, NFE attended multiple public hearings, prepared presentation graphics, met with various property owners and representative surveyors/attorneys, and assisted the Trailways Commission attorneys through the arduous task of resolving these encroachments.

In the end, NFE successfully assisted in resolving all 60 property disputes without court action being required. This was in large part do to the thorough and detailed survey NFE prepared which stood up to many inquires and scrutiny from other surveying professionals retained by multiple property owners.

Related Projects

Scroll to Top