Challenge
Sauk Valley Community College’s 11-building campus in Dixon, Illinois required significant site and infrastructure improvements to address aging pavement, utilities, and safety concerns. After receiving grant funding to repave roadways and parking lots and update infrastructure across campus, the college needed accurate site data to properly plan and design the upgrades. A comprehensive topographic survey was required to document existing conditions, including boundaries, utilities, and site features, across a large and active campus environment.
Solution
Valdes Architecture & Engineering (Valdes) was selected to provide surveying and professional design services for the campus improvements. The team conducted detailed research to gather land deeds, previous survey information, utility maps, and right-of-way plans before beginning field work. Survey activities were carefully planned and executed in phases using multiple instruments and field crews to efficiently capture boundary, topographic, and utility data. Valdes also implemented a rigorous quality control process, including site walkdowns, to verify the accuracy of the final survey deliverables. The completed survey supported the design of campus-wide improvements, including the replacement of approximately 255,000 square feet of roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and related site features, along with upgrades to storm sewers, underground utilities, site lighting, track resurfacing, and provisions for future electric vehicle charging.
Impact
Valdes delivered a comprehensive and reliable survey that enabled efficient planning and design of critical campus improvements. By utilizing multiple crews and coordinating drafting alongside field work, the team minimized on-site time while maintaining accuracy and quality. The resulting infrastructure upgrades will improve safety, accessibility, and long-term durability across the campus while supporting daily operations and future transportation needs.
Services
Civil
Electrical
Laser Scanning & Surveying