JHL Constructors has announced that the E-470 Central Maintenance Facility has been named the 2025 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Colorado Chapter, one of the state’s highest honors in public works. The award recognizes not only the excellence of the finished facility but also the collaboration, innovation, and dedication that drove the project from concept to completion.
The new Central Maintenance Facility was purpose-built to support the operational and maintenance needs of one of Colorado’s busiest transportation corridors, serving more than three million travelers annually across 47 miles, five municipalities, and three counties. The 62,000-square-foot facility, located on a 13-acre site in Aurora, replaces the former maintenance campus and positions E-470 to meet the region’s projected growth, including an anticipated 250,000 new residents in Aurora alone.
Designed by D2C Architects, with efficiency, sustainability, and user well-being in mind, the facility features:
- A fleet maintenance building with multiple service bays
- A fueling center with on-site gasoline and diesel storage
- A liquid deicer storage and distribution system
- A clear-span 22,500 SF timber salt barn
- Covered storage bays for snowplows and critical equipment
- Dedicated subcontractor and partner storage areas
The campus’s strategic location, directly across from E-470 Headquarters, enhances coordination, reduces emergency response times, and strengthens communication between field crews and administrative staff. Additional features such as natural daylight, modern workspaces, and clear lines of sight promote safety and employee satisfaction.
Sustainability was also a core priority. The facility integrates xeriscaping, EV charging infrastructure, recycled construction materials, and a closed-loop vehicle wash system that reclaims water, all designed to minimize environmental impact and support long-term operational goals.
“This recognition is a proud moment for JHL and a well-deserved acknowledgment of the hard work behind this project,” said JHL Construction Executive Adam Fernan. “It was a privilege to work alongside such a collaborative team, from the E-470 Staff, designers, and trade partners to the community stakeholders, who came together to address challenges, maximize value, and deliver an innovative facility on time and on budget.”
Project Team: JHL Constructors, E-470 Public Highway Authority, D2C Architects, Wells Concrete, Kiowa Engineering, Kumar & Associates, Major Geothermal, Plan West, Ramirez Johnson & Associates, Professional Engineering Consultants, and Blymyer Engineers.
