West Bend Downtown Riverwalk – West Section
2025 Engineering Excellence State Finalist
Entering Firm: Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
Client: City of West Bend
Set against the Milwaukee River, West Bend’s riverfront was a blighted and unsafe area. Deteriorating infrastructure and underinvestment drove away users and harmed local businesses. West Bend knew that a change was needed to benefit from an incredible natural resource.
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. addressed all these issues and delivered a seamless connection with the city’s trails and roads. Key features include an accessible, safe pedestrian route linking the downtown business district, direct access to the river and a pedestrian underpass beneath a state highway. The project also incorporated sustainable design solutions, such as tree wells, drainage filtration and floodplain management.
The project involved extensive utility coordination, outreach using 3D visualizations, and close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses and property owners. The team’s effective project management and cost-effective solutions helped deliver the project under budget, with significant grant funding reducing West Bend’s financial contribution.
This revitalized space has become a regional destination that boosts connectivity, supports local businesses, and offers ADA-accessible pathways. The Downtown Riverwalk now acts as a vital link, connecting local businesses, cultural organizations, parks, trails and neighborhoods, while driving economic growth and fostering community resilience for the future.