Waterfront Construction in Bay City, MI – Lasting Boardwalk Upgrade
The waterfront construction is complete! At Serenus Johnson Construction, we take pride in delivering projects that strengthen communities and create lasting value. As a commercial general contractor serving the Great Lakes Bay Region and greater Michigan for more than 100 years, our team is committed to quality craftsmanship, innovation, and client-focused service on every project. One of our recent community-focused projects was the Bay City in Bloom Kantzler Arboretum Boardwalk Replacement Project located at 701 John F. Kennedy Drive in Bay City, Michigan. This important improvement project transformed an aging wooden boardwalk into a durable, sustainable, and attractive concrete walkway designed to serve visitors for years to come.
Project Overview
Project: Bay City in Bloom Kantzler Arboretum
Project Type: New Build / Site Improvement
Classification: Commercial
Schedule: July 2025-October 2026
Size: 8,370 Square Feet
Delivery Method: General Contractor (GC)
Design Professional: Spicer Group
Owner: Bay City in Bloom
The project involved the complete replacement of an existing wooden boardwalk with a new concrete boardwalk system, creating a safer, more durable, more accessible, and lower-maintenance pathway through the arboretum. The goal of Bay City in Bloom was to improve the existing Arboretum while still honoring it’s original historical vision and mission. In addition to the waterfront construction, the project included:
- Site landscaping improvements
- Benches and site furnishings
- Decorative Railings
- Waste receptacles
Building Around Unique Site Challenges
Every construction project presents obstacles, and waterfront construction is no exception.
The Kantzler Arboretum project required our team to navigate challenges associated with the site’s close proximity to the water, which demanded careful planning, coordination, and site management. During construction, crews also encountered buried debris within the existing soil conditions, requiring additional attention to maintain project quality and ensure a stable foundation for the new improvements.
Another notable challenge involved sourcing specialty site furnishings. Several of the selected components featured extended manufacturing lead times, requiring proactive scheduling and coordination to keep the project moving forward.
Through collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, the Serenus Johnson team successfully managed these challenges while maintaining quality and minimizing disruption to the site.
Self-Perform Expertise Creates Value
Approximately 60% of the work was self-performed by Serenus Johnson Construction personnel, allowing our team to maintain direct control over project quality, safety, scheduling, and workmanship.
The project was led by:
- Project Manager: Austin Robishaw
- Estimator: Austin Robishaw
- Foreman: Tim Lederer
By utilizing experienced in-house personnel, we were able to provide efficient project execution while delivering the level of craftsmanship our clients have come to expect.
Waterfront Construction Performance Highlights:
- Durable concrete boardwalk replacing aging wood infrastructure
- Enhanced accessibility and user experience
- Improved site aesthetics through landscaping and furnishings
- Successful management of waterfront construction challenges
- Completion delivered well ahead of the original planned timeline
Supporting Community Spaces Across the Great Lakes Bay Region
Community improvement projects like the Kantzler Arboretum boardwalk are a reflection of what Serenus Johnson Construction has represented since 1919: integrity, quality, and a commitment to building spaces that serve future generations.
Whether constructing new facilities, completing renovations, restoring community landmarks, or improving public spaces, our team works closely with owners, design professionals, and stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.
The Bay City in Bloom Kantzler Arboretum project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, strong project management, and quality construction can transform aging infrastructure into a beautiful community asset.
News Features:
Looking for a Commercial Construction Partner in Michigan?
Serenus Johnson Construction provides commercial, industrial, healthcare, educational, municipal, and community-focused construction services throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. With over a century of experience, we continue to help clients bring their visions to life through exceptional construction services and lasting partnerships.
Contact Serenus Johnson Construction today to learn how our team can support your next commercial construction project.