In 1996, Robert Borthwick was selected to be the principal planner and landscape architect for the $3.5 million waterfront enhancement project along with Cash & Associates, project engineers. Design improvements included the creation of new pedestrian-only streets, public plazas, and refurbishment of the famous Casino Walkway. The original improvements were installed in the 1920’s and early 1930’s by the Wrigley family and were historically significant. A series of public design workshops were held to achieve consensus on this highly controversial project, and the design has been extremely well-received by both residents and visitors to the island.

In 1999, the City of Avalon and Borthwick Guy Bettenhausen, Inc. received the ASLA National Centennial Medallion Award for Excellence in Landscape Architecture, the Merit Award for Historic Preservation and Restoration Design, and the Greater Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Urban Design Award.