City seawall project will receive national award

Historic City News has learned that during the International Public Works Congress and Exposition being held in Phoenix August 30 – September 2, the City of St. Augustine’s Avenida Menendez Seawall Project will be recognized as “Project of the Year” in the $5-$25 million class.

Public Works director, Martha Graham, informed local reporters that the American Public Works Association had acted to select the decade-long seawall project for this national honor.

“Many hours on research, grants, archaeology, and history were needed to make the project a reality,” Graham told Historic City News.

Functionally, the $6.7 million project was designed to protect the original 1800’s seawall and the surrounding historic waterfront neighborhood.

Following its 2013 completion, residents, motorists, merchants and heritage visitors have been better protected from the unpredictable waters of the Matanzas Bay.

Structurally, the new seawall is constructed using concrete and reinforced steel, extending 12-feet into the water from the old wall to protect the original historic structure.

Aesthetically, the gap between the two walls is filled in and paved so it can serve as a waterfront promenade with a paved walking path, new streetlights and palm trees and additional landscaping.