In the end, and after considerable debate, this year's team of judges decided that the Carrollton New Orleans project was deserving of ENR Texas & Louisiana’s 2023 Project of the Year award. The building has a rich history of serving as a parish courthouse, then various schools, before sitting vacant for years. After an extensive renovation, it is now a senior living facility.

During Zoom meetings, judges discussed various aspects of construction and engineering, focusing on many elements of each project, including overcoming challenges, teamwork, safety, innovation and contribution to the community and construction quality and craftsmanship.

This year’s contest featured a diverse judging panel, with each bringing their knowledge and experience to the discussion and final decision. Main category judges included:

• Michelle Alvarez, water/wastewater engineer, Hanson Professional Services
• Dana Birkes, CEO, AECorn Consulting LLC
• Grecia Diaz, roadway designer, Hanson Professional Services
• Hachem Domloj, founder and CEO, CIVE
• Eric Groat, division manager, Robins & Morton
• Britini Martin, marketing manager, Sundt Construction
• Natalie Pagano, director of marketing and communications, Manhattan Construction Group
• Steven Taylor, director, infrastructure business development, Fluor Corp.
• Jason Weeks, regional vice president and division manager, Brasfield & Gorrie

Also, Mikel Wilkins, senior associate and director of sustainability for landscaping design firm TBG Partners served as our sustainability judge, reprising a role he has served for several years. Read on to learn more about this year’s winning projects.