As an employee-owned company that has been in operation for nearly 100 years, HNTB Corporation has brought to life the vision of many popular American landmarks – bridges, roadways, airports and professional sports stadiums across the United States.
The Sixth Street Viaduct, built in 1932, connects downtown Los Angeles with Boyle Heights, a neighborhood east of the downtown area. A chemical reaction is causing the structure of the viaduct to deteriorate, making its urgent replacement necessary for the safety of LA commuters. HNTB has proposed a design with safety, aesthetics and the community in mind. The design “offers the most wow factor,” according to the Los Angeles Downtown News. The design includes spacious pedestrian walkways, a bicycle lane on either side of the bridge, and a series of 10 arches spanning the entire structure. One of the most notable features is the open park and plaza spaces underneath the bridge, complete with walkways down from the main causeway on the bridge. In a city dominated by cars, this was a risky yet game-changing proposal to offer. You can see HNTB’s design animation here.
This project is just one illustration of the commitment that HNTB’s 3,500 employee-owners have to focusing resources to innovate at the highest level of performance and productivity. They know prosperity that comes from their collective achievements will provide meaningful retirement savings through the company’s ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
The retirement accounts that come from the S corporation ESOP business structure motivate employees and build a level of dedication that leads to success. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania in 2008 found that S ESOPs create $14 billion in new savings for workers that otherwise would not have been earned. At a time when too many working Americans are concerned about their lack of retirement savings, employee-owned companies are providing their workers with a meaningful opportunity to build retirement savings through their hard work.
We always appreciate hearing about infrastructure improvements from employee-owned businesses like this in cities and communities across the country. This is also excellent information to share with Members of Congress who want to hear about new projects in their districts and states. Best wishes to HNTB on being selected.