AMT Received an ACEC/MW Engineering Excellence Merit Award for John Robinson, Jr. Town Square

Company News | December 14, 2023

In Photo:
Hugh “Mac” Cannon, ACEC/MW President, Chelsea Bishop, AMT Senior Project Manager, Aaron Smith, AMT Vice President, and Mugdha Tipnis, ACEC/MW Board Chair

AMT received an ACEC/MW Engineering Excellence Merit Award for John Robinson, Jr. Town Square, named after the prominent community activist who fought for decades against racial injustice and inequality. This award celebrates our work with an overarching goal to provide an outdoor place for engagement where the community can connect with neighbors and the environment, honor the neighborhood’s rich history, and celebrate growth and future opportunities.

AMT extends congratulations to all of the ACEC/MW award winners. Additionally, the firm would like to recognize and thank our team members who worked on the John Robinson, Jr. Town Square project:

– Chelsea Bishop, PE | Senior Project Manager
– Andrea Stirton RLA, CPSI | Project Manager | Landscape Architect

In 2015, AMT began working with Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) through our on-going engineering services on-call contract. The firm’s participation began with community engagement meetings to provide conceptual stormwater management input to assist Hood Design Studio in developing the artistic master concept plan for the Town Square development. The firm developed final construction documents to transform the site into the vibrant community space it is today. AMT provided civil engineering, structural engineering, and landscape architecture services. Additionally, the firm secured the Land Disturbing Activity Permit and provided construction administration and Statement of Special Inspection services.

AMT developed the final site grading, hardscape and materials, landscaping, utilities and drainage, stormwater management, seat walls, retaining walls, base for the art sculpture, and performance stage design. Construction of the project began in July 2019 and was completed in May 2022.

The park now features an elevated ADA-accessible stage for performances, open lawn area, integrated stormwater management, pedestrian connectivity throughout the site, plaza and community gathering spaces. These elements connect the Town Square to surrounding public, commercial, residential, and retail spaces to serve the community’s long term goal for economic growth.

The Town Square plaza spaces offer room for community engagement, meetings, gatherings, and open markets. The planted swale and bioretention areas provide places for reflection and connection with the natural environment which is a unique feature in an urban setting. A performance stage gives flexibility for a variety of entertainment. The lawn area creates an opportunity for passive activities like picnics, lawn games, reading or even a game of chess at one of the featured tables.