Challenge

The City of West Bend needed to reconstruct Main Street, requiring the complete replacement of underground utilities and surface infrastructure. This posed a major challenge for downtown businesses. Reconstruction significantly reduced customer access and parking availability, making it more difficult for patrons to visit shops and restaurants. In addition, ongoing construction brought increased noise and disruptions, affecting daily operations and the overall business environment.

Solutions

The City contracted with Geo-Logic Associates wholly owned subsidiary Kunkel Engineering Group to design comprehensive infrastructure improvements for the Main Street reconstruction project. From the beginning, our team collaborated closely with City staff, local businesses, downtown organizations, and the general public. We prioritized minimizing disruptions and maintaining business access throughout construction by establishing clear, consistent communication channels. To keep the community informed and engaged, we launched a proactive public outreach program that provided timely updates on construction activities and stakeholder meetings.

Continuing our partnership with the City and the public, Kunkel Engineering delivered a comprehensive design report that included plans for new sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, service laterals, and a complete reconstruction of the roadway infrastructure. We supported the City through the bidding process by preparing thorough bid documents and facilitating a fair, competitive selection to ensure project quality and value. During construction, Kunkel provided construction administration and inspection, emphasizing on-site coordination with contractors, businesses, and City personnel. Construction activities were strategically sequenced to maintain pedestrian and vehicular access and to accommodate special events and ongoing business operations.

Results

Kunkel Engineering Group’s comprehensive approach ensured that the West Bend Main Street Reconstruction Project was completed on time and within budget. The project revitalized essential infrastructure, modernized utilities, and enhanced stormwater management, resulting in improved safety, accessibility, and visual appeal for downtown West Bend. Our focus on minimizing disruptions supported local businesses and sustained the area’s economic vitality throughout construction. The collaborative efforts of our team, the City, the contractors, and the community exemplified a successful approach to downtown redevelopment.

… We take pride in this project because it serves as a prime example of Kunkel Engineering’s ability to deliver complex municipal infrastructure improvements in highly visible, business-critical environments.”

— Mitch Leisses / Project Manager