Improvements to the Zion blog
Vernal, Utah
PROJECT OF THE YEAR FINALIST and BEST PROJECT, LANDSCAPE/URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Presented by BE
owner Vernal City
Leading design company CRS engineers
General Contractor BE
To improve public infrastructure in this part of downtown Vernal, a revitalization project modernized existing public services and created a more welcoming and accessible environment. With numerous known and unknown underground utilities throughout the site, the team relied on careful planning and utility identification to avoid disruptions. Electrical service upgrades brought systems up to code and newly installed convenience plugs support a number of community events.
The scope also included the conversion of overhead utility lines to underground power service, which required close coordination with individual customers and Rocky Mountain Power to upgrade service connections with minimal disruption.
This project helped raise the standards of public infrastructure in downtown Vernal by improving the visual appeal and functionality of key parking areas. Improvements include the addition of new parking stalls and pedestrian walkways designed to encourage community interaction and increase foot traffic to local businesses. Improved lighting has been installed to improve safety and encourage greater public use of the space during nighttime hours.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Gudac
The upgrades not only focused on aesthetics and usability, but were also part of a larger initiative to support the local economy by creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for residents and visitors to shop and interact with local businesses.
Vernal contractor BHI placed a strong emphasis on community and business relations throughout the revitalization project. Close coordination with the City of Vernal, local utilities and nearby businesses was critical to minimizing disruption and delivering a project that met and ultimately exceeded its goals. BHI established a regular cadence of meetings with city officials and business partners to maintain open lines of communication, proactively resolve issues, and ensure quality, schedule compliance, and budget control. Frequent face-to-face contact with business owners allowed the team to address concerns quickly and collaboratively while building trust throughout the construction process.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Gudac
Electrical upgrades significantly improved both function and atmosphere. Parking lot lighting improved safety and visibility, while decorative string lighting added to the nighttime ambiance of the area. Electrical service upgrades brought the systems up to code, and newly installed convenience outlets now support a range of community events.
The addition of electric vehicle charging stations also reflects an advanced commitment to sustainability and supports local business traffic by allowing visitors to recharge while they shop. Each of these improvements added long-term value to the area, transforming the space into a more vibrant, accessible and community-focused destination.
During construction, faculty at a local school serving low-income students approached BHI and invited representatives to speak about construction career paths. Seizing the opportunity, BHI management organized a hands-on educational experience. A mini digger was transported to the school, helmets were provided and under close supervision, each student had the opportunity to operate the equipment.
