HLR Inspires Future Engineers at U-46 Explore Event

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Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) had an incredible time participating in the School District U-46 Explore event at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates on September 25-26. We were thrilled to take part in this event, designed to give students the opportunity to explore various career paths and technical fields, including engineering, science, and surveying.

Explore is an annual curriculum and career expo organized by School District U-46 in partnership with the Alignment Collaborative for Education. This event offers over 2,500 eighth graders from eight local middle schools a unique opportunity to explore various career paths and technical fields. The Alignment Collaborative, a local nonprofit, brings together community resources to support District U-46’s educational initiatives.

The event kicked off with a Family Showcase on Wednesday, September 25, followed by a full day of exploration for students on Thursday, September 26. Prior to Explore, students used SchooLinks, a digital college and career planning system, to identify the career clusters that aligned with their interests and aptitudes. With this information, students worked with school counselors to choose which career pathways to explore at the event.

HLR was proud to represent the Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades pathway. Alongside 40+ local businesses, industries, government agencies, and nonprofits, we set up an interactive exhibit designed to give students a hands-on introduction to what we do.

Our exhibit featured an augmented reality sandbox—a 3D, interactive tool that helps students understand concepts like mapping, topography, and watersheds. By shaping the sand in the box, students could see a real-time color-coded topographic map appear, and they could even simulate a rain event to see how water would flow based on the elevations they created. It was an engaging, visual way to teach important engineering concepts in a fun, accessible format.

The HLR team truly enjoyed connecting with students, parents, and U-46 staff throughout the event. We’re excited to continue supporting Explore and other opportunities to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and surveyors.

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Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit Earns APWA Fox Valley Branch 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award

By HLR • January 9, 2025

Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to announce that the City of Elgin's Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit project has been recognized with a 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fox Valley Branch. This award celebrates excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the engineer, and the contractor who work together to complete public works projects. The project, completed in partnership with the City of Elgin and contractor Martam Construction, Inc., transformed an outdated, concrete-lined detention basin into a naturalized stormwater facility that enhances water quality and supports ecological health. Innovative Green Infrastructure Historically, untreated stormwater runoff from the basin could carry pollutants directly into the Fox River, contributing to water quality challenges. The retrofit replaced the concrete channel with a meandering flow path and native vegetation designed to slow water flow, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Additional features, such as sedimentation zones and a plunge pool, further optimize pollutant capture and water quality. Sustainability and Climate Resilience The project introduced over 60 species of drought- and flood-resistant native plants, creating a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and minimizing long-term maintenance. These improvements align with the City of Elgin’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit goals, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable stormwater management. Collaboration, Success, and Community Benefits HLR worked closely with the City of Elgin and Martam Construction, Inc. to design, permit, and construct the retrofit. Rigorous planning and commitment to sustainability ensured the project’s success. The reconstructed basin has become a valuable asset for the local community, offering enhanced aesthetics, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the beauty of dynamic seasonal changes in the plant communities. Adjacent stakeholders have praised the project for its environmental stewardship, particularly with the removal of dense brush that previously limited visibility. The Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit showcases how public works projects can address immediate environmental needs while preparing for future climate challenges. HLR is honored to have collaborated with the City of Elgin to deliver a solution that improves the detention basin, supports biodiversity, and benefits the community for years to come. The award will be officially presented during the 2025 Fox Valley Branch Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets in Bartlett, IL.

DuPage Court Revitalization Earns ACEC Illinois 2025 Engineering Excellence Special Achievement Award

By HLR • December 11, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the City of Elgin and Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) have been recognized with an ACEC Illinois 2025 Engineering Excellence Special Achievement Award for the DuPage Court Revitalization project. This prestigious award celebrates the innovative engineering solutions and collaborative efforts that transformed a vital community hub in Downtown Elgin.

HLR’s CEO Jeni Lyon Honored as a 2025 Chicago Titan 100

By HLR • November 15, 2024

We are excited to share that our President and CEO, Jeni Lyon, has been named one of the 2025 Chicago Titan 100! This prestigious recognition honors the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in the Chicago area who exemplify extraordinary leadership, vision, and passion in their industries. Jeni’s journey with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) began in 1999, leading to her role as President and CEO in 2018. Under her leadership, HLR has significantly grown in revenue, expanded its workforce, and launched key sustainability initiatives, earning multiple industry accolades along the way. These achievements reflect Jeni’s dedication to fostering an environment where employees thrive and clients receive exceptional service. Her commitment to nurturing a positive workplace culture has earned HLR notable accolades, including recognition as a 2024 Best Place to Work by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE) and ongoing recognition as an Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc., along with numerous project and client satisfaction awards. These honors embody the " Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® " philosophy that Jeni has instilled in the firm, driving both employee engagement and the firm’s success. Jeni’s influence extends beyond HLR. As the volunteer Board Chair for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, she plays a key role in driving economic growth and community development. Her commitment to giving back is evident in HLR’s philanthropic initiatives, which include supporting local STEM programs and engaging in various community-focused efforts. A champion for the future of land surveying, Jeni’s leadership and vision continue to shape both the firm’s success and its impact on the communities we serve. We couldn’t be prouder of Jeni and the lasting impact she continues to make on HLR, our clients, and our community. Congratulations, Jeni, on this well-deserved honor! About the Titan 100 Collectively, the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honorees represent organizations generating over $70 billion in revenue and employing more than 439,000 people. These leaders are celebrated for redefining business and making transformative impacts across industries. Jeni will be honored at the annual Titan 100 awards ceremony on February 20, 2025, at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom, joining fellow Titans to celebrate innovation and leadership. To learn more about the Titan 100 program, visit the Titan website .