Preferred Engineer

Fleis & VandenBrink is the preferred engineer for The City of Portland’s Michigan civil engineering programs. The City has had a long-standing approach to revitalizing their community. Residents wanted a walkable community, small-town charm and a thriving downtown, as well as historic preservation and economic development. City Officials have worked hard to accomplish this and were even designated “Cool City” status from Michigan ‘Cool City’ Initiative in 2003.

Some cool Michigan civil engineering projects Fleis & VandenBrink has helped Portland accomplish include:

• Façade improvements along Kent Street, providing businesses a second storefront, development of second story loft apartments & businesses and enhancing connectivity between downtown and river trails.
• Pedestrian bridge and waterfront redevelopment, including band shell, canoe landing and 9/11 memorial to encourage riverfront activities. The bridge overlooking the river connected the city park to the downtown business district and the rivertrail to the boardwalk. The project received “Outstanding Landscape Design” award from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association.
• Grand River Avenue reconstruction and storm, waste and watermain improvements.
• Grand River Shoreline protection to minimize future erosion and flooding.
• Brownfield redevelopment of a manufacturing facility to stimulate private development.
• Non-motorized trail development and master plan utilizing land along the Grand and Looking Glass Rivers, abandoned railroad right-of-way and I-96 right-of-way to create walkability.
• Receive and administer over $4 million in grant funds for various projects.
• Cutler Road Reconstruction and Enhancements.
• Repairs to the Portland Grand River dam allowing the city to continue generating electric power and maintaining an important salmon fishing location.
• Bridge restoration and prevention.
• Willian Toan Park Improvements.

Fleis & VandenBrink has served as Portland’s Engineer of Record since 1994 and has been proud to work with the city to develop its projects, needs and goals into reality. Our thorough understanding of Portland and dedicated to our long relationship has been the key to all these successful projects.

With upcoming projects, like “rails-to-trails” to loop and connect the entire city, Portland is continuing its coolness while retaining its small town character.