As Civil Engineering Project Manager, led site planning and optimization efforts for the redevelopment of the historic Pimlico and Laurel Park racing facilities, a transformative initiative commissioned by the Maryland Stadium Authority. Working in collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross and a multidisciplinary project team, Charles oversaw civil engineering services across both sites, guiding the programming, due diligence, and conceptual design phases.
Responsibilities included directing topographic and existing conditions surveys, utility infrastructure analysis, and site layout development to support new racing, stable, and support facilities. Facilitated interactive site optimization workshops to evaluate multiple development scenarios, balancing operational needs, equine circulation, and long-term flexibility. Coordinated with stakeholders to assess environmental impacts, traffic and access strategies, and infrastructure upgrades, including stormwater management and utility extensions. At Laurel Park, he supported a comprehensive facility condition assessment, addressing site and utility systems. His work informed programmatic design studies, cost-benefit analyses, and value engineering efforts, advancing the project toward schematic design and construction readiness. Charles’s leadership ensured alignment with racing industry best practices, sustainability goals, and community engagement priorities, laying the groundwork for a modernized, multi-use racing campus at both sites.
Following years of underground utility work, the sidewalks and curbs along Cornhill Street in downtown Annapolis—a National Historic Landmark District—had deteriorated beyond repair. The streetscape featured a patchwork of historically significant bricks, newer brickwork, granite and slate curbing, and modern concrete curb, resulting in an uneven and inconsistent pedestrian surface. Due to the street’s location within the Historic Preservation District, the project required close coordination with the City of Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission (COA-HPC) to establish acceptable repair and replacement strategies.
Conducted a comprehensive condition assessment of Cornhill Street and a portion of adjacent Fleet Street, presenting findings and recommendations to the COA-HPC to secure approval. The final design incorporated the reuse of historic brick sidewalk and slate curb in front of two residences selected by the Commission, with new brick and granite curb installed elsewhere. Prepared 100% construction documents, including demolition plans, roadway and curb plans and profiles, detailed grading, erosion and sediment control, and maintenance of traffic plans. During construction, coordinated with permitting authorities and provided construction administration services, including site visits and reviews of RFIs and submittals.