Rice Lake's rebuilt Main Street has earned statewide recognition. The project was named a 2026 Engineering Excellence State Finalist by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Wisconsin, with SEH as the entering firm and the City of Rice Lake as the client.
Before the rebuild, Main Street had cracked sidewalks, outdated utilities, aging trees and an inefficient roadway that the award summary described as an uninviting corridor limiting the vibrancy and economic health of the city center.
Residents helped shape the project through public meetings and collaborative workshops, with regular updates as the design took shape.
The finished corridor reduced travel lanes and narrowed intersections to calm traffic, added wide sidewalks and curb extensions, and installed decorative lighting. Underground soil cells were used to promote native tree growth while protecting the new sidewalks and utilities from root damage, and streetscape materials and colors were chosen to reflect Rice Lake's heritage.
The award summary describes the result as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination that supports local businesses and strengthens community connections.
