The Story Behind the Silver Award
We're proud to announce that Capital Strategic Solutions has been awarded a 2026 Silver Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA), recognizing Outstanding Professional Design Excellence for the Columbian Square Improvement Project in Weymouth, MA, as part of the ACEC/MA Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.
About the Project
CSS was retained by Green International Affiliates for the Town of Weymouth to lead outreach to stakeholders, including local businesses and neighborhood residents, in preparation for the $10 million improvement project to Columbian Square, one of Weymouth's four historic village centers. The project brought major upgrades to the streetscape, including expanded sidewalks with brick pavers, planting beds, trees, pedestrian lighting, and benches, along with ADA-compliant crossings and full signalization of the intersection of Pleasant Street with Columbian Street and Union Street.
Construction broke ground in December 2022, with the project designed by Green International Affiliates and built by P.A. Landers, Inc., supported by Mayor Robert Hedlund's commitment of ARPA funds and a Community Planning Grant through the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development.
CSS's Role
A project of this scale meant disruption was inevitable: to traffic patterns, to foot traffic, and to the businesses that call Columbian Square home. That's where CSS came in. Through a combination of print and social media outreach, our team worked to keep the community informed about the project and its impacts, while reassuring residents and business owners that the Town was prepared to manage the construction process every step of the way.
Keeping Columbian Square Connected
“When people think about a project winning a design award, they probably don't picture someone stuffing construction notices into door handles in the rain, but that's part of it.
For a couple of years, my days bounced between walking Columbian Square talking with residents and business owners, updating the project website, sending e-blasts, writing social media posts, and answering the same question in five different ways (which is usually a sign you're doing your job).
The goal was never to make construction exciting, it was to make it predictable. If people knew what was happening and what to expect next, we were doing something right. It's pretty neat to see all that work come full circle with an award like this.”
A Team Effort
This recognition reflects the outstanding collaboration between the Town of Weymouth, Green International Affiliates, P.A. Landers, and Capital Strategic Solutions. Projects like Columbian Square succeed because of the dedication, expertise, and partnership of so many people working toward a shared vision.
We're especially grateful to Mayor Robert Hedlund, Planning & Community Development Director Robert Luongo, and the many Town of Weymouth staff members whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped guide this project from concept to completion. It was a privilege to work alongside Dennis Vertiyev and the team at Green International Affiliates, as well as the exceptional crew at P.A. Landers, whose expertise helped bring the vision to life.
We'd also like to recognize the Weymouth Police Department, detail officers, public safety personnel, South Shore Hospital and its staff, the Town Council, local businesses, property owners, residents, and community stakeholders whose patience, flexibility, and collaboration helped keep the project moving safely while minimizing impacts to the community. This recognition reflects the collective effort of everyone who played a role in transforming Columbian Square into the vibrant destination it is today.
As Bob Luongo, Director of Planning & Community Development for the Town of Weymouth, put it:
“CSS played a major role in conveying to all impacted by this project that the Town of Weymouth was prepared for the uncertainties and disruption to businesses and traffic patterns this construction project would create. Using print and social media, CSS was able to both inform the public about the project and its potential impacts during construction and convey the Town's ability to handle the situation.”
Full Circle
For years, our role was helping residents, businesses, and visitors navigate detours, construction impacts, and changing traffic patterns, keeping the community informed and engaged through every phase of the project.
Seeing Columbian Square reopen as the vibrant, walkable village center it was envisioned to become has been incredibly rewarding. To now see the project recognized with an ACEC/MA Engineering Excellence Award feels like a fitting close to this chapter and a reminder that thoughtful public engagement is an essential part of successful infrastructure projects.
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this achievement possible!
About Capital Strategic Solutions
Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) is a certified woman-owned, disadvantaged business enterprise specializing in innovative, cost-effective solutions for local governments. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of municipal experts, CSS offers tailored services in public administration, finance, HR, emergency management, public safety, public works, communications, project management, grant administration and interim staffing—helping communities minimize risk and maximize success.