AIACI 2004 Awards

SPRINGFIELD—AIA Central Illinois, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, presented its 2004 Design Awards during a dinner held November 4th at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield, IL. The Council bi-annually recognizes firms for significant achievements in the profession of architecture with awards given in three categories: Design, Preservation/Restoration and Enduring Architecture.

The firm of PSA was recognized with the Honor Award – Design for their new office space in Peoria, Illinois after the office had to be relocated. Ultimately, the result of growth and crowding at the old facility, the renovation of an old warehouse building into a multi-use, work environment took on a number of significant roles. It both demonstrated an investment in the community and to make evident the firm’s commitment to the responsible use of resources. The combination of responsible design decisions and a focus on creating a dynamic work environment that encourages communication and teamwork resulted in a project that is successful for both the firm and the community.

The firm of BLDD Architects, Inc. was recognized with the Merit Award – Design for the Building J Walking Bridge at Joliet Junior College. The project consisted of the replacement of an existing pedestrian bridge that connects the main parking lots of the campus to Building J. Cont.
A partially enclosed steel and glass “gateway” replaces a concrete walkway to give a strong and welcoming entrance to the main administrative building on campus and compliment the building’s existing architectural elements.

The firm of Bailey Edward Design was recognized with the Merit Award – Preservation for restoration of the Black Hawk Lodge in Rock Island, Illinois. Originally designed in 1932 by state architect Joseph Booton, the lodge is a shining example of depression era craftsmanship. Through careful research and thoughtful design, this project returned much of the lodge to the original architect’s design intentions. In returning many of the building elements to their original historical character, Bailey Edward Design helped ensure that this architectural gem will continue to serve as a prime example of historically intact Civilian Conservation Corps architecture in Illinois.

The firm of Renaissance Architects, Inc. was recognized with two Merit Awards for Preservation - one for updating the St. Francis Convent in Springfield, Illinois and for the renovation of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Urbana, Illinois. The Adoration Chapel for a Central Illinois religious community was in need of updates to its heating, air-conditioning and addressing electrical systems as well as addressing maintenance and life safety issues. The primary goal making the building safe, energy efficient and environmentally friendly while not disturbing the original architectural character and detailing was successfully achieved and the community joyfully celebrated the improvements to their beloved chapel.

The last renovation of St. Patrick’s Church in Urbana, IL was in the 1970’s and with a centennial year celebration approaching, the parish community wanted to refurbish the church. The scope of work was to include improvements to the interior finishes, as well as dealing with the poor lighting levels, the overheated balcony, bringing out the architectural quality and esthetics that were hidden and improve the overall “mood” of the building. The results were that the lighting levels were greatly improved, a careful color palette help make the interior more lively and inviting and parishioners were delighted at their “new” old church which became an excellent example of letting the original structure dictate the solution.