2009 Niagara Community Design Awards - Winners
This is the fifth year of the Design Awards. The objective of the Niagara Community Design Awards is to recognize and celebrate excellence in community design in the Niagara Region. This year's awards will continue to focus on projects that enhance the built environment, efficiently use land, and demonstrate creativity and vision.
The Awards are run by the Region in partnership with the Niagara Economic Development Corporation. This year we have also partnered with the Niagara Society of Architects on two awards to recognize Niagara architects.
Categories
- Large Scale Projects
- Public Realm Improvement
- Architecture
- Façade Improvement
- Adaptive Re-use
- Policy & Plans
- Leadership & Legacy
Award Winners
Larger Scale Project
This award recognizes an infill or redevelopment project that is larger in scale or nature that demonstrates excellence in design. This project creatively and effectively uses land, is complimentary to the existing surroundings, and intensifies and provides additional choice within the area.
2009 Honourable Mention: 12 View Developments Inc. - 100 Martindale Road, St. Catharines
Nominated: Dr. Emilio Raimondo, Owner, 12 View Developments Inc.Architect: Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
Engineer: Dave Stacey, Harp Engineering
Builder: Al Brouwer, Brouwer Construction Inc.
Nominator: Emilio Raimondo, President, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
100 Martindale Road is a wonderful example of a project that has transformed a lot that held an abandoned gas station into a thriving element of the neighbourhood. The building - now home to medical tenants including dental, cardiology , and a pharmacy - provides additional uses to the area, while complimenting existing development. The new medical building, called 12View, is attractive with rooflines that echo those found in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Public Realm Improvement
This award recognizes excellence in design of the spaces between the places, and presents a significant improvement to the public realm. This category may include public art, parking lots, parks, or road realignment that effectively integrates with the surrounding buildings, is accessible, and contributes to the beautification and use of the site.
2009 Award Winner: The Riverwalk - Niagara Boulevard, Fort Erie
Nominated: Ron Tripp, Director of Infrastructure, Town of Fort ErieArchitect: Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
Builder: Terry Tykolis, Stevensville Lawn Service
Nominator: Emilio Raimondo, President, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
Initiated in the fall 2004 and completed in 2005, Riverwalk spans approximately half a kilometer along Niagara Boulevard and the water's edge, providing a functional place to gather and take in the view of the Peace Bridge and downtown river frontage. Extensive landscaping, lighting and structures define the space, allow for gathering and reflection. The project was - and continues to be - well-received by the community as a true catalyst for development and restoration.
Architecture
This award recognizes architectural excellence by a Niagara architect, and may be a new building, or addition to an existing. Architectural excellence may include use of new technologies, design, building layout, or integration of styles. This award recognizes a high degree of creativity. This award is sponsored by the Niagara Society of Architects.
2009 Award Winner: Wine Visitors & Education Centre, Niagara College - Niagara-on-the-Lake
Nominated: Dan Patterson, President, Niagara CollegeArchitect: Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
Engineer: Tony Cipriano, Group 8 Engineering
Builder: Al Brouwer, Brouwer Construction Ltd.
Nominator: Emilio Raimondo, President, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
The newest edition to the Niagara College Teaching Winery is the Wine Visitor & Education Centre, located among the vines at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. The circular plan of the retail space gives the structure a distinctive shape, while offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and escarpment. The building has many green elements and was heavily influenced by the landscape and lines of the Escarpment.
Façade Improvement
This award recognizes an improvement to the façade of a building that may or may not have internal improvements. The primary feature of this award is the revitalization of the street face of the building that demonstrates creativity. This award may recognize heritage restoration or a more modern approach.
2009 Award Winner: Paris Crepes Bistro - 4316 Queen Street, Niagara Falls
Nominated: Larry Marconi, President, Business Development, Historic Niagara Development Inc.Development Consultant & Designer: Andrew Hellwig, Principal Designer, CDGA Design Group
Builder: Phil Pépin, Givic Construction Enterprise
Nominator: Andrew Hellwig, Principal, CDGA Design Group
The former nightclub building located at 4613 Queen Street underwent a complete redesign of the façade to meet the needs of the current tenant and the community improvement efforts by both the City of Niagara Falls and the Historical Niagara Development Corporation. With its colorful and playful façade treatments, allowance for the café to spill out on the sidewalk in warmer weather and pick up window for travelers on the go, the redevelopment is inviting to pedestrians. The improvements to this building will only provide more fuel to a revitalization catalyst underway on Queen Street, creating a more pleasant and enjoyable human experience.
2009 Honourable Mention: Roberts Jewellers - 4416 Queen Street, Niagara Falls
Nominated: Carmen Tartaglia, Owner, Roberts JewellersArchitect: Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architect Inc.
Nominator: Bob Bolibruck, City of Niagara Falls
Roberts Jewellers was one of the first façades carried out as part of the downtown revitalization of Niagara Falls. The building had been vacant for some time and used previously as a book store. The design of the façade included a new raised parapet, windows, detailed moulding and lower granite tiles. The colour scheme satisfied the City's historical palette of colours with rich gold lettering for the sign. The façade design set the standard for façade improvements within the area and demonstrates the dramatic changes that can be done on a small budget.
Adaptive Re-use
This award recognizes the re-use of an existing building or buildings, and possible intensification of a site. The primary feature of this project is the re-use of the former building(s) in a manner that demonstrates creativity, reintegrates the site into the community, and provides a mix of uses and choice into the surrounding neighbourhood.
1. 2009 Honourable Mention: Ashton Heights - 6365 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls
Nominated: Jon Whyte, Planner, Mountainview HomesOwner: Ash Singh, Equity Builders Inc.
Architect: Michael Allen, Michael D. Allen Architect Ltd.
Nominator: Bob Bolibruck, City of Niagara Falls
This former Union Centre was a derelict building until it was transformed into a twenty-five unit apartment building, and lands were severed for additional development along a side street. Ashton Heights is an excellent example of an adaptive re-use of a large building that now offers a mix of residential land uses in the area, while efficiently using existing urban services. Being centrally located along Drummond Road, this site provides residents with the ability to utilize city transit, and walk to nearby commercial shops and services on Lundy's Lane and Dunn Street, and in so doing encouraging walkability of the project.
2. 2009 Honourable Mention: Gillian's Place - 15 Gibson Street, St. Catharines
Nominated: Anne Armstrong, Executive Director, Gillian's PlaceArchitect: Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
Engineer: Dave Stacey, Harp Engineering
Builder: John Klassen, Bromac Construction Inc.
Nominator: Emilio Raimondo, Raimondo & Associates Architects Inc.
This former elementary school (Victoria Public School featured in A Christmas Story) is now the home of Gillian's Place, a shelter for abused women and children, as well as lands that were severed off for another development. The distinctive look of the historic school building remains, while the new use has carefully been retrofitted to make use of the sound construction. The intensive renovation was completed in October of 2007 on time and on budget, resulting in a beautiful facility containing 18 bedrooms with a capacity of 35 beds. A new elevator grants full accessibility while a new entrance focus, parking lots and private fenced play/lounge area provide safety and security for the residents.
Policy & Plans
This award recognizes an approved Official Plan, Neighbourhood/Secondary Plan, Design Guideline, Community Improvement Plan, Master Plan or development plan that focuses on the smart growth principles such as a mix of uses, walkability, and compact development. Also considered important to this award is an effective public consultation process.
2009 Award Winner: Urban Design Guidelines for the Garden City - St. Catharines
Nominated: Paul Chapman, Director of Planning Services & City Staff, City of St. CatharinesThe Urban Design Guidelines for the City were identified by the official plan review as an integral element in meaningful urban intensification. The first four sections focus on small lot residential infill, townhouse and commercial development, traditional and suburban neighbourhoods, and commercial corridors. The Guidelines were developed by staff and approved by City Council on October 19, 2009. These guidelines demonstrate the city's commitment to sustainable growth management through urban design and provide a tool to communicate design guidance to the development industry and the general public. This award has been given to the City in recognition of the work that has been done and in expectation of the future components.
Leadership & Legacy - Niagara Architect
This award recognizes an architect or firm that has acted as a pioneer in the Niagara community in achieving good community design. This award also recognizes projects completed within the last twenty-five years that provide a lasting example of good community design and a signature landmark within the community. The works or deeds attributed to this person, group or project can be used as examples for others and benefit not only a specific area, but the larger Niagara community. This award is sponsored by the Niagara Society of Architects.
2009 Award Winner: Michael Zuberec, Architect/Partner/Co-Founder - Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc., St. Catharines
Nominated: Michael Zuberec, Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc.Nominator: Harald Ensslen, Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc.
Michael was born in Montreal in 1930 and moved to Ontario with his parents in 1941. He graduated from St. Catharines Collegiate in 1949, after which he studied architecture at the University of Toronto. He graduated with honours in 1954 and shared the Goulstone Travelling Fellowship with a classmate.
Following a years' working experience with Robert Ian Macbeth a prominent local practitioner, he worked for 2 years with Rosenberg Yorke and Mardall, a large architectural firm in London, England.
In the spring of 1957, on his return to St. Catharines, architect Thomas R. Wiley employed him until Wiley's untimely death in 1959. The Wiley practice was purchased with Norman Macdonald and continued for 47 years as Macdonald and Zuberec Architects. Nine years ago Harald Ensslen was taken on as a Partner to form Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc.
Michael has been involved in such projects as the Rainbow Bridge Plaza Redevelopment, CCOVI, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Courthouse and St. Catharines Market Square.
Zuberec has been a member of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) since 1958. In 1984 he was elected to the RAIC College of Fellows, and is a chapter member of the Niagara Society of Architects
Congratulations to all of the 2009 Niagara Community Design Award Winners.
Awards Review Committee:
Richard Baker - Retired, Niagara Society of Architects
Glenn Barr - President, Barr Associates
Dr. Hugh Gayler - Professor, Brock University
John Gittings - Manager of Planning and Development, Niagara College
Douglas McNaughton - Commercial Sales Rep., Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre
Bryan Morris - Community Renewal Coordinator, City of St. Catharines
Barbara Wiens - Principal Planner, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Co-ordinator
Terri Donia - Project Manager, Integrated Community Planning, Niagara Region