American Structurepoint Earns National ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards for IU Medical Education and Research Building and Sauerman Woods Improvements Project

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA [May 6, 2026] – American Structurepoint has earned national recognition from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for two transformative projects that demonstrate engineering excellence, innovation, and community impact. The firm received 2026 ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards for its work on the IU Medical Education and Research Building in Indianapolis and the Sauerman Woods Improvements & Park Amenities project in Crown Point, Indiana.

The ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the engineering industry, recognizing projects that showcase exceptional engineering skill, complexity, and public benefit.

IU Medical Education and Research Building

American Structurepoint received national recognition in the Structural Systems category for the IU Medical Education and Research Building, a landmark facility serving the nation’s largest medical school. Just north of downtown Indianapolis, the 11-story building features an atrium that spans 3 stories, technology-rich learning spaces, hands-on simulation labs, and a research tower dedicated to advancing medical discovery.

Serving as structural engineer of record, American Structurepoint led the structural design, analysis, documentation, and construction administration of the building’s gravity and lateral systems. The team collaborated closely with Indiana University and architect Browning Day to deliver innovative structural solutions on a tight, urban site, including a dramatic east-side overhang, a column-free atrium, and two monumental “floating” staircases that anchor the building’s interior.

“Delivering a facility of this scale and complexity required innovation at every stage, from the cantilever systems to vibration control for specific floors,” said American Structurepoint Structural Practice Leader Luke Nisley. “We are proud to help Indiana University create an environment that delivers world-class medical training and transformative research.”

Sauerman Woods Improvements & Park Amenities

American Structurepoint also earned national recognition in the Waste and Stormwater category for the Sauerman Woods Improvements & Park Amenities project, which transformed a flood-prone area into a resilient, dynamic community destination.

Engineers reimagined stormwater management by replacing conventional infrastructure expansion with a naturalized retention pond system integrated into a revitalized public park. The design solution provides flood protection, improves water quality, restores habitat, and enhances recreational opportunities with trails, sports facilities, a fishing pier, and a unique submerged scuba diving platform.

American Structurepoint provided feasibility analysis, stormwater modeling, stormwater utility engineering, site development, transportation design, landscape architecture, and lighting design. Advanced hydraulic modeling and innovative construction sequencing allowed the team to manage constrained site conditions while maintaining stormwater functionality throughout construction.

The innovative changes implemented by the team are already proving resilient. Just days before the park’s grand opening in August 2025, a severe storm dropped nearly three inches of rain in under an hour. The newly constructed retention pond performed as designed, capturing excess runoff and preventing flooding in the adjacent Briarwood subdivision, protecting 53 homes and critical infrastructure.

“This project shows how smart, integrated engineering can turn a significant infrastructure challenge into a lasting community asset,” said American Structurepoint Project Manager Bryan Hood. “By addressing flood protection, water quality, and recreation together, Sauerman Woods demonstrates how infrastructure investments can improve safety, sustainability, and quality of life for the community.”

Together, the two nationally recognized projects reflect American Structurepoint’s commitment to anticipating complexity, delivering innovative solutions, and improving the communities it serves.

American Structurepoint, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a national architecture and engineering consulting firm. We define the standard of excellence for people across the world who want help building and bettering their community. American Structurepoint professionals work in 18 design centers throughout Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently listed the company as a Top 200 Design Firm. The firm ranked No. 136 on ENR’s 2026 list. For almost 60 years, American Structurepoint has offered complete consulting and comprehensive design services to improve the quality of life for the people and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.structurepoint.com.