Wendler Engineering Services, Inc. receives award

Wendler Engineering Services Inc., Dixon, was recently recognized with this award for their design work on the reconstruction of the Edwards Apple Orchard near Poplar Grove.

Each year the American Council of Engineering Companies recognizes projects of engineering achievement by consulting engineering firms.

Projects are judged on the basis of engineering excellence, the degree to which the client’s needs are met, and the benefits to the public welfare and private practice of engineering.

In 1968, Edwards Apple Orchard opened for business in a rustic barn constructed in 1930.

The barn was distinctive and unique with gambrel bow rafters held together by the hay mound floor.

The facility grew to become a destination point for family day trips and its reputation for apples, apple doughnuts and cider drew up to 250,000 visitors annually.

On Jan. 7, 2008, a tornado cut a path through Boone County, destroying the orchards production and sales facility leaving the owners concerned that the fall season may be lost.

The challenge was to rebuild and be open in less than 8 months, the mandate was to maintain the character of the rustic facility.

Wendler Engineering Services Inc. was retained to provide structural engineering services for the rebuilding of the Edwards Apple Orchard production, sales and showroom facility. It also was mandated that the project which started immediately after the tornado be completed so the orchard could be open for business in August 2008, and the harvest was not wasted.

The project was completed within the $3.6 million budget and on schedule.

The client mandated that the new facility “look and feel” like the old facility. It was paramount that the customers felt they were in the same facility they had visited for 40 years.

To duplicate that rustic, old-time ambiance, two old and very distinctive barns were reconstructed on-site as an integral part of the facility.

The rebuilding of this facility had a significant affect on the social aspect of the community. On any given weekend day during the 4 months, they are open, up to 4,500 visitors pass through the facility, weekdays vary from 1,000 to 3,000.  The opportunity to see friends and neighbors to socialize and to meet new people are tremendous.  The orchard has become a destination and yearly tradition for many families. Family activities such as this transcend generations and provide quality bonding time for all ages.