Awards & Recognitions

For over 20 years, Earthwerks has designed and built award-winning & recognized projects.

The Saylor/Swain/Vallette Stormwater Improvements Project, completed for the City of Elmhurst, was recognized with the 2021 Project of the Year – Environment (Less Than $5 Million) award by both the Suburban Branch and Chicago Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

To enhance local stormwater management, the City acquired and demolished four residential properties to make way for key infrastructure improvements. The project included the installation of a 6.5-acre-foot StormTrap underground detention vault, a pump station, and box culverts to mitigate flooding and improve stormwater flow.

Project video courtesy of APWA Chicago Midwest.

APWA IL 2021 Project of the Year

Award certificate from ADWA Suburban Branch for 2021 Public Works Project of the Year in Environment, valued under five million dollars, presented to Earthwerks Land Improvement & Development Corporation for stormwater improvements in the City of Elmhurst.
Award plaque from the American Public Works Association Chicago Metro Chapter for Project of the Year, Environment, Less than 5 Million, presented to Earthwerks Land Improvements & Development Corporation in 2021. The plaque has a blue textured background with gold and silver lettering and includes a signature, the name of the president, Michael L. Hall, P.E.

APWA IL 2016 Project of the Year

American Public Works Association (APWA) awarded Earthwerks the 2016 Project of the Year - Environment for Less Than $5 Million for the Barlett FEMA Flood Control Project. This project was for the Village of Barlett, IL to redesign its major flood plain.

Cover page of a brochure showing flood control project in Bartlett, featuring aerial photos of a river and construction equipment, with logos of the village and related organizations.

IL Tollway special mention 2014 Sustainable contractor of the year

The Illinois Tollway recognized Earthwerks for its significant contribution to the Northbound Drainage Ditch Improvements project along the South Tri-State Tollway (I-294), spanning from Midlothian Creek to Rexford Avenue. The project enhanced stormwater management and improved overall drainage infrastructure within this critical transportation corridor.

Award certificate recognizing Earthwerks Land Improvement and Development Co. as 2014 Sustainable Contractor of the Year, with signatures of Paul Kovacs PE and Kristi LaFleur and a photo of drainage ditch improvement work.

APWA IL 2014 project of the YEar

The American Public Works Association (APWA) awarded Earthwerks the 2014 Project of the Year – Environment (Less Than $5 Million) for the Farm Trace Storm Sewer Bypass and Detention Basin project.

Commissioned by the City of Richton Park, IL, the project addressed severe flooding that occurred in 2008, which damaged over 130 residential properties and posed a significant public safety concern. The flooding was attributed to undersized storm sewers and detention ponds. Earthwerks’ work provided long-term stormwater solutions to reduce future flood risk and improve community resilience.

Gold plaque award from American Public Works Association for the Chicago Metro Chapter Southwest Branch. It recognizes a public works project of the year for environmental efforts under $5 million, awarded to Earthwerks Land Improvement and Development Corporation in 2014, signed by Allison M. W. Swisher.
  • A newspaper article about dredging work at Wheaton park, titled "Dredging begins at Wheaton park" with a photo of an amphibious excavator working in a muddy area, along with a plaque that reads "Northside Park Lagoon 2011".
  • A scientific poster titled 'Using Natural Channel Design to Enhance Eroding Stream Corridor' with images of streams, bridges, and natural landscape features, and text detailing erosion control projects and water management strategies.
  • A newspaper article with the headline "Dredging begins at Wheaton park" and a photo of an excavator working in a muddy area, digging sediment for a park improvement project.
  • A newspaper article from the Daily Herald about DuPage County approving contracts to build the Armstrong Park reservoir project, with a photo of dirt mounds and a sign for the project.
  • A plaque on a wooden board with a gold-colored shovel and an inscription that reads: 'Glen Ellyn Park District Maryknoll Park Groundbreaking August 5, 2003'.
  • Photograph of a metal sculpture featuring children playing on outdoor play equipment, with a building and trees in the background, and a plaque below honoring Dan Davies for supporting recreation in Glen Ellyn Park District in May 2008.