If you've driven past the new Public Works and Police Campus on the south end of town, you've probably noticed the sleek new buildings that replaced the old, cramped facilities. What you might not know? That project just won one of the biggest awards in public infrastructure.
On February 2nd, the American Public Works Association (APWA) presented Rosemount with its Project of the Year award in the structures category, a recognition that Public Works Director Nick Mathern says came from a committee that found it "one of the easier awards" to give out.
Translation: This wasn't just good. It was standout.
The APWA isn't some small-town participation trophy organization. With 1,100+ members across Minnesota representing cities, consulting firms, and industry vendors, their Project of the Year awards go to infrastructure projects that check every box: innovation, sustainability, budget management, community impact, and long-term value.
Eric Lemke, APWA's Awards Chair and a principal engineer with Stantec, put it bluntly during the council presentation: "I can confidently say... this was one of the easier awards that Richard and I had to have been a part of giving out."
That's engineer-speak for "this was exceptional."
Here's what caught the awards committee's attention:
For property tax-paying residents across Dakota County, that kind of fiscal discipline matters.
Richard McCoy, Robbinsdale's Public Works Director who served on the awards committee, admitted he toured the facility specifically to steal ideas for his own city's upcoming rebuild. "I'm entirely jealous," he said. "I think I'm gonna try and get an office that's at least as big as what Nick has... actually, I might get the dimensions and make it just a touch bigger."
The facility wasn't just built for today's needs. The design team worked directly with city staff and Rosemount City Council to create:
That last part addresses something most residents never think about: staff retention. Modern, well-designed facilities help cities attract and keep quality employees—especially important in Rosemount as the community continues growing.
This wasn't a quick project. The city spent 20 years planning, visioning, and refining what this facility should be.
A facilities task force worked through countless iterations. City Council engaged the community throughout the process. The design team obsessed over everything from traffic flow to neighborhood compatibility to ensuring the facility "reflected community identity and civic pride."
The result? A facility that will serve Rosemount for decades—not just a building that met minimum requirements.
Rosemount is submitting this project for national-level APWA recognition this summer. If they win at the national level, it would put this South Metro community on the map alongside major metropolitan projects across the country.
The awards committee specifically noted this project "serves as a role model for what is possible for future public works initiatives by demonstrating how community-driven planning and multi-department and agency collaboration can successfully deliver community's goals."
That's not just good for bragging rights. When Rosemount pursues future projects—whether it's infrastructure, parks, or development—this kind of recognition helps attract grants, partnerships, and favorable financing.
In a region where cities are constantly competing for residents, businesses, and talent, these kinds of wins matter. They signal that Rosemount takes long-term planning seriously. That tax dollars get spent wisely. That the community is building for the next generation, not just patching together today's needs.
Plus, if you're ever evacuating during a tornado warning, you'll probably appreciate that emergency operations center design.
The award plaque is now hanging in the campus atrium for anyone to see. If you haven't toured the facility yet, it's worth a look, if only to see what $2 million in savings looks like in brick and mortar.
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