The American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin (ACEC WI) announced recently its juried selection of 2026 Engineering Excellence Award winners. The Village of Fox Point and MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) were together selected to receive a State Finalist Award for the Beach Drive Coastal Resiliency project in Fox Point.

State Finalist Awards recognize projects that exemplify the skill and creativity of the engineering profession as chosen by a panel of judges from outside of the ACEC WI association membership. Projects are appraised and rated on a variety of merits including original or innovative application of new or existing techniques; future value to the engineering profession and perception by the public; social, economic and sustainable design considerations; complexity; and exceeding client/owner needs.

The Beach Drive Coastal Resiliency project addressed significant storm-induced damages along a scenic 2-mile stretch of residential roadway on the western shore of Lake Michigan. A series of powerful storms, near-record-high water levels, and sustained easterly winds in 2019 resulted in massive loss of shoreline and erosion that impacted the stability of the road as well as sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure running parallel to the water.

A National Coastal Resilience Fund grant from FEMA enabled the Village to partner with MSA in the design and construction a robust coastal protection system. The final design featured a resilient stone revetment system engineered to withstand future storm events while reclaiming lost green space, improving green infrastructure for stormwater, and enhancing ecological integrity along the shoreline. The project also included public access improvements and native landscaping, ensuring that the shoreline remained both functional, accessible, and beautiful for generations to come.

“We are proud to receive recognition for this important Lake Michigan shoreline project,” remarked John Langhans, PE, vice president and Land service line leader at MSA. “The Village faced profound immediate and long-term challenges due to rising lake levels and an increased frequency of severe storm events. They are to be commended for seeking a sound, sustainable solution and fortifying the stability of the Beach Drive shoreline while also upgrading local utilities and enhancing the environmental aesthetic.”

ACEC WI Engineering Excellence Award winners will be formally recognized during the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin, on April 24, 2026.