Award-winning projects
WHEN YOU WIN, WE WIN
In addition to being recognized as a great place to work, Barr has received numerous local, state, and national awards from reputable industry organizations for our work with clients on challenging and impactful projects.
First-of-its-kind underground solution to interstate flooding
The I-35W underground stormwater storage facility (SSF) reduces the severity and frequency of flooding along a major interstate artery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Barr led the design team to develop the innovative solution in the face of several critical challenges, including complex hydraulic conditions, deep excavation with a high groundwater table, and adjacent highway reconstruction—all in a restricted space wedged between the interstate and a residential area. The completed facility features six underground storage cells that can hold 4.5 million gallons of stormwater.
- National Honor Award, 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
- Grand Conceptor Award, Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) top-scoring project, Grand Award, and People’s Choice Award, 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN)
- National Public Works Project of the Year 2024, Environment ($25 million to $75 million), American Public Works Association (APWA)
Flood risk reduction project uses smart pumping and enhances neighborhood green space
The City of Edina partnered with Barr to plan, design, and construct a flood risk reduction project for the Morningside neighborhood that was prone to flooding. The first of its magnitude in the region, a smart pumping station automatically lowers the water level in the main pond before a forecasted heavy storm, allowing the pond to receive and store stormwater. The project reduced flood risk neighborhood-wide for over 160 homes and other buildings, created native habitat, and enhanced a beloved city park.
- National Recognition Award, 2025 Excellence in Engineering Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
- Grand Award, 2025 Excellence in Engineering Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN)
- People’s Choice Award first runner-up, 2025 Excellence in Engineering Awards, ACEC/MN
Additional awards
- Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay habitat restoration: Engineering Excellence Grand Conceptor Award, ACEC of Minnesota (2022); Engineering Excellence National Recognition Award, ACEC (2022)
- Gate upgrade at Island Lake Dam in northern Minnesota: Engineering Excellence Grand Award, ACEC of Minnesota (2021)
- Highway 210 landslide stabilization and corridor repair: Engineering Excellence Grand Award, ACEC of Minnesota (2019); Honor Award, ACEC (2019)
- Brownfields redevelopment for watershed district headquarters: ReScape Award for Community Impact, Minnesota Brownfields (2019)
- Assessing stormwater runoff at industrial sites; Honor Award, ACEC of Missouri (2018)
- Hall’s Island redevelopment and restoration: ReScape Award for Community Impact, Minnesota Brownfields (2018)
- West River Parkway landslide repair: Best Project Award (projects under $10 million), Engineering News-Record Midwest (2017); Engineering Excellence Grand Award, ACEC of Minnesota (2017)
- Coffee Creek trout stream restoration: Environmental Initiative Award (Natural Resources), Environmental Initiative (2016)
- Trout Brook storm-sewer interceptor relocation: Grand Award, ACEC of Minnesota (2016)
