Georgia-based, full-service consulting firm Croy, along with architecture and engineering firm Pond & Company, was recently honored with an Engineering Excellence Award for their collaborative work on improvements to the downtown area in the City of Smyrna, Ga. The project was recognized with the “State” award which is the highest award in the “Special Projects” category. Croy served as the program manager as well as designed the roadway and infrastructure features, while Pond provided landscape architecture and design services for the greenspace.

Presented during the annual Georgia Engineering Awards, an event hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE), the Engineering Excellence Awards are given annually by ACEC Georgia to recognize engineering firms’ project achievements which demonstrate the highest degree of merit and ingenuity. 

“The improvements made to our City’s downtown area have increased our ability to host larger events and gatherings, creating a sense of place for our residents and visitors and attracting new business to our community,” said Mayor Derek Norton, City of Smyrna. “The Croy team was an incredible partner in making sure this project was delivered successfully, and we look forward to bringing additional infrastructure improvements to our downtown area to support our continued growth.”

Improvements to Smyrna’s downtown area include a new open greenspace with wide sidewalks, plazas, shade structures, and an interactive water feature, as well as updated site furnishings, lighting, and landscaping. The project also included upgrades to the associated utilities and stormwater infrastructure, as well as the demolition and reconfiguration of a roundabout into a more pedestrian-friendly shared street and greenspace. 

Seeing the success of the City of Smyrna’s downtown commercial district known as the Smyrna Market Village, this project was spurred by an updated master plan, as well as a need to create additional space for residents and visitors. Adopted in the 2022 SPLOST referendum, Smyrna’s leadership identified the need for additional areas for the community to gather safely. Designed to accommodate numerous large annual city events, in 2023, the City of Smyrna hosted its 151^st Birthday Celebration utilizing the newly completed space. This all-day, walkable event featured multiple stages with musicians, artists, and crafts.

“The City of Smyrna has done a fantastic job not only with their vision for their improved downtown space, but also with the activation of it as well – exemplified by its outstanding popularity with residents and visitors alike. At Croy, we emphasize quality engineering and innovative solutions, and we are proud to be able to support the City’s efforts in making their community a great place to live, work, and play,” said Croy’s CEO Gregory D. Teague, PE. “We congratulate the City of Smyrna on this award-winning project and look forward to how it will continue to transform the area.”

The City of Smyrna’s downtown improvements were also recognized as the “2023 Medium Redevelopment of the Year” award winner by Partnership Gwinnett, which was presented during the 2023 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit. While this project is complete, additional phases continue to be developed, adding even more shared spaces for community gatherings, art installations, public seating, and landscape architecture.