Omar Akkari

Announcing Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Awards Call for Entries

Omar Akkari, Urban Designer, No Phone Number Available


Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 9:08 a.m.

Update: 09/12/2017

Voting Begins Soon

Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Awards People's Choice Award Voting Begins Soon - September 18th!

The year 2017 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Awards and another opportunity to celebrate people who are building the city of choice. These biennial awards highlight the importance of creative thought, technical proficiency, and the relationship of good urban design to our city's economic health and overall well-being. Mayor Condon will announce the awards; and award winners will receive a certificate of recognition and have their projects displayed on the city's website as well as on the third floor of City Hall.

These awards are intended to build a city-wide awareness of and discussion about how good design, as part of thoughtful city planning, makes Spokane a more functional, beautiful, and inspiring city to live in.

What is "urban design" and what is the "public realm?"

There are various definitions, but for the purpose of these awards, the following definitions shed some light on the terms.

"The public realm is the space to which the public has right of access and the setting for street life."

Spokane Tribal Gathering Place

The Spokane Tribal Gathering Place

"Urban design is the thoughtful development of spaces that are the setting for street life and activities. It draws together the many components required for functionality, place-making, and sustainability to form places with distinct beauty and identity."

The Nest Plaza

The Nest Plaza at Kendall Yards

Why does urban design of the public realm matter?

The design of our public realm matters because we collectively own these spaces. The public realm includes features that everyone can see or access, and they shape people's opinions about Spokane and whether it's a good city to live in, work in, or visit.

How a building meets the street matters, the materials used matter, and the scale of spaces and buildings matter. All of these aspects and many more affect Spokane's character and aesthetics. It has been proven that better designed streetscapes and public spaces typically have less crime, higher pedestrian activity and increased economic activity. You do not have to be an urban designer to know when you are in a well-designed place because they feel good, they are places where memories are made, and they are places we want to come back to and that matters.

Judging

The City's Design Review Board Members will evaluate submissions and provide recommendations to the Mayor's office.

We invite the citizens of Spokane to participate in these awards by voting for their favorite urban design project. We encourage the community to read the "Qualities of Good Urban Design" and learn a bit about what makes for great urban environments and judge for themselves, which project best demonstrates these qualities. All entries will be on display on the awards web page and at River Park Square for three weeks, where citizens will be able to vote for their favorite submitted design.

Qualities of Good Urban Design

Qualities of good urban design

2015 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award

Our highest honor, awarded to projects for singular adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Spokane Tribal Gathering Place

Spokane Tribal Gathering Place

An utterly dramatic transformation of space that introduced us to a piece of our city we had ignored for years. The work literally flows into the river, which we see with new eyes and cannot help but explore.

Submitted by: Land Expressions

Project Team: Cameron-Reilly LLC, Concrete Walls and Hardscape | Coffman Engineers Inc., Survey | Colvico Electrical Inc. , All Electrical | Geo Engineers Inc., Geo Engineering | Ornamental Gate & Fence, Custom Railings | Paul Harrington AIA, Architectural Consultant | Segmental Systems Inc., Pavers | Spokane Metals LLC, Grand Stair, Shade Structure, and Fire Feature | Thomas, Dean & Hoskins Inc., Civil & Structural Engineering | Trindera Engineering Inc., Electrical Engineering

Clients: Avista Corporation and City of Spokane

Merit Award

Awarded to projects which demonstrate truly excellent adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Dutch's & Huppin's Block

Dutch’s & Huppin’s Block

An authentic and rich historic restoration with smart modern improvements. In renovating a key block in downtown Spokane, the developers have made a lasting impact on the entire neighborhood.

Submitted by: Rencorp Realty

Project Team: Nystrom +Olson Architecture | Uptic Studio | HDG Architecture | You Express Studio

Client: Rencorp Realty

Ferris High School Modernization & Replacement

Ferris High School

Despite a massive scale and security concerns specific to schools, this project was cleverly constructed to feel almost like a village and nestle among the site's many old-growth trees.

Submitted by: NAC Architecture

Project Team: NAC Architecture, Architect | Garco Construction, Contractor | DCI Engineers, Structural and Civil Engineer | L&S Engineering, Mechanical Engineer | NAC Engineering, Electrical Engineer | Bernardo-Wills Architects, Landscape Architect | FP Engineering, Fire Protection Consultant | Budinger & Associates, Geotechnical Engineer

Client: Spokane Public Schools

The Nest Plaza & Kendall Yards Centennial Trail

The Nest Plaza

A space that is rich in diversity for its size that is both a gateway to the neighborhood and a vital jumping-off point for the entire Centennial Trail.

Submitted by: MTLA Landscape Architects

Project Team: MTLA Landscape Architects | Greenstone Homes

Client: Greenstone Homes and City of Spokane

11th & Perry

11th and Perry

Convenient, safe, accessible and truly beautiful, this people-centered design fits perfectly into its surroundings and is a transformational project for the Perry Neighborhood.

Submitted by: Uptic Studios

Project Team: Project Designer / Manager, Uptic Studios | Architect of Record, Christopher Morlan Architect PLLC | Interior Designer, Tammie Ladd | Landscape Architect, Stone Creek | General Contractor, Baker Construction | Structural Engineers, DCI Engineers | Civil Engineer, DCI Engineers | Oliver Irwin, Photographer

Client: CCRC, LLC

People's Choice Award

As voted on by the people of Spokane in person and online.

Saranac Commons

Saranac Commons

In one month, over 1,500 people voted online or in person. This renovation and revitalization project, which turned a historic garage into a food hub and community gathering place, was the clear winner.

Submitted by: Patsy O'Connor Architect

Project Team: Patsy O'Connor, Principal Architect/ Designer, Space Concept and Tenant Improvement Assistance to Common Crumb and Black Label Brewing | Dave Golden, Tristan Burton, Structural Forte | Tim Frothingham, Contractor | Larry Swartz, Tenant Improvement Assistance to Cafe Affogato and Mediterrano

Client: Jim Sheehan

Special Acknowledgments

Heritage Project: The Centennial Trail
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a design project that has significantly contributed to Spokane's quality of life.

The Design Review Board chose to honor the Trail for connecting Spokane to its natural surroundings and forming the backbone of our walkable and bikeable community.

The Centennial Trail

Creative Citizen: Jim Sheehan
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a person or group whose work has enhanced Spokane's urban fabric.

A tireless advocate for developing around the needs of people and communities, Jim Sheehan has done more than just revitalize Downtown's West Main area, that revitalization has changed the whole city.

Jim Sheehan

Shrinking Lilac: Legion Building Renovation
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to an exceptional project not previously nominated for a Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Award.

A nationally recognized renovation to one of Spokane's most iconic and visible buildings. The developers, at great expense, completely rebuilt a fire-damaged mansard roof, which once housed the Spokane Club.

Legion Building Renovation

2013 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award

Our highest honor, awarded to projects for singular adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

SIERR Building

Sierr Building

A project that exemplifies the perfect blend of adaptive reuse, entrepreneurial spirit, environmental rehabilitation, and respect for the Spokane River, that all great projects should strive to achieve.

Submitted by: McKinstry Co.

Project Team: McKinstry Co. | Lydig Construction | DCI Engineers | CTA Group | Design Source | Real Property Law Group PLLC | City of Spokane

Client: McKinstry Co.

Merit Award

Awarded to projects which demonstrate truly excellent adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Spokane Falls Community College Music Building Renovation & Expansion

SFCC Music Building

Submitted by: Integrus Architecture

Project Team: Integrus Architecture | MW Consulting Engineers | Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, Inc. | GeoEngineers, Inc.| Testcomm | John Succo | SPVV Landscape Architects | BN Builders, Inc.| Peter Hassell Photography

Client: Community Colleges of Spokane

Westview Elementary School

SFCC Music Building

Submitted by: ALSC Architects

Project Team: ALSC Architects | Leone & Keeble Contractors | Structural Forte L&S Engineering | Coffman Engineers | David Evans & Associates | SPVV Landscape Architecture

Client: Spokane Public Schools

Fountain Café at Riverfront Park

Fountain Cafe

Submitted by: NAC| Architecture

Project Team: NAC| Architecture | Structural Design Northwest | L & S Engineering; NAC| Engineering | SPVV Landscape Architects | Walker Construction

Client: City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Department

People's Choice Award

As voted on by the people of Spokane.

Martin Luther King Jr. Way

MLK Jr. Way

Submitted by: SPVV Landscape Architects

Project Team: SPVV Landscape Architects | City of Spokane Engineering | DEI Electrical Engineers

Client: City of Spokane

Special Acknowledgments

Shrinking Lilac: City Ramp Garage Renovation
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to an exceptional project not previously nominated for a Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Award

City Ramp Garage

Heritage Project: River Park Square Renovation
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a design project that has significantly contributed to Spokane's quality of life.

River Park Square Renovation

Creative Citizen: Warren Heylman
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a person or group whose work has enhanced Spokane's urban fabric.

Warren Heylman

2011 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award

Our highest honor, awarded to projects for singular adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Spokane Public Market

Spokane Public Market

Submitted by: Nystrom Olson Architecture

Project Team: BR3 Development | Basso LLC | General Contractor | Spokane Vendors | Citizens and Volunteers

Client: Spokane Public Market

Merit Award

Awarded to projects which demonstrate truly excellent adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Bissinger Building Addition & Remodel

Bissinger Building

Submitted by: Bernardo-Wills Architects, PC

Project Team: Bernardo-Wills Architects, PC Vandervert Construction | Joe Nuess

Client: BW Ventures, LLC

Shadle Park High School

Shadle Park High School

Submitted by: NAC | Architecture

Project Team: NAC | Architecture | NAC | Engineering | Taylor Engineering Inc. | Structural Design Northwest | L&S Engineering | Garco Construction

Client: Spokane Public Schools

Kendall Yards | Centennial Trail, Parks & Open Space Master Plan

Kendall Yards

Submitted by: Michael Terrell-Landscape Architect

Project Team: Michael Terrell-Landscape Architect | Greenstone Homes and Neighborhoods | Weber Thompson

Client: Greenstone Homes and Neighborhoods

People's Choice Award

As voted on by the people of Spokane.

Bissinger Building Addition & Remodel

Bissinger Building

Submitted by: Bernardo-Wills Architects, PC

Project Team: Bernardo-Wills Architects, PC Vandervert Construction | Joe Nuess

Client: BW Ventures, LLC

Special Acknowledgments

Shrinking Lilac: Main Market Co-op
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to an exceptional project not previously nominated for a Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Award.

Main Market

Heritage Project: Davenport Hotel
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a design project that has significantly contributed to Spokane's quality of life.

Davenport Hotel

Creative Citizen: Ron & Julie Wells
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a person or group whose work has enhanced Spokane's urban fabric.

Ron and Julie Wells

2009 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award

Washington State University | Riverpoint Campus Master Plan

WSA Riverpoint Campus Master Plan

Submitted by: NAC|Architecture

Project Team: NAC|Architecture

Client: Washington State University

City of Spokane Aquatic Facilities

Submitted by: ALSC Architects

Project Team: ALSC Architects | Counsilman Hunsaker | Coffman Engineers

Client: City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Department

City of Spokane Aquatic Facilities

Washington State University | College of Nursing

WSU College of Nursing Building

Submitted by: Integrus Architecture

Project Team: Integrus Architecture | LMN Architects | MW Consulting Engineers |Graham Construction | Explosive Illusions

Client: Washington State University

Rogers High School

Submitted by: NAC|Architecture

Project Team: NAC|Architecture | DCI Engineers | Hellstrom Associates | L & S Engineering | Structural Design Northwest | Ward Design Group | Taylor Engineering, Inc.

Client: Spokane Public Schools

Rogers High School
Merit Award

Awarded to projects which demonstrate truly excellent adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Half Moon Park

Half Moon Park

Submitted by: Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods

Project Team: Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods | Mike Terrell, ASLA, Landscape Architect | Wil Sinclair, Project Manager | Doug Desmond, PE, Civil Engineer

Client: Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

Submitted by: NAC|Architecture

Project Team: NAC|Architecture | Walker Construction |Charles Cosler Theatre Design | Jaffe Holden Acoustics | L & S Engineering |Taylor Engineering, Inc |Structural Design Northwest | Roen Associates

Client: Spokane Symphony

Gonzaga University West Boone Pedestrian Mall

Gonzaga University West Boone Pedestrian Mall

Submitted by:

Project Team: Sherry Pratt VanVoorhis Landscape Architects | Taylor Engineering | USKH Engineering Engineering

Client: Gonzaga University

Catholic Charities Family Services Center

Submitted by: Heylman Martin Architects

Project Team: Garco Construction | Storhaug Engineers | DCI Engineers | Explosive Illusions Photography

Client: Catholic Charities Spokane

Catholic Charities Family Services Center

NAC|Architecture Addition

NAC|Architecture Addition

Submitted by: NAC|Architecture

Project Team: NAC|Architecture | DCI Engineers | Kearsley Construction | L&S Engineering

AmericanWest Bank Building

AmericanWest Bank Building

Submitted by: Steven A. Meek Architects

Project Team: Steven A. Meek Architects | DCI Engineers | Robert B. Goebel General

Client: Michael McDowell

The Village at Regal Pond

The Village at Regal Pond

Submitted by: Bernardo-Wills Architects, P. C.

Project Team: Bernardo-Wills Architects, P. C.| Vandervert Construction | DCI Engineers | Environment West

Client: Tombari Properties

Ponderosa Ridge Townhomes & Cottages

Ponderosa Ridge Townhomes & Cottages

Submitted by: Bernardo-Wills Architects, P.C.

Project Team: Bernardo-Wills Architects, P.C.| Mike Terrell, ASLA, Landscape Architect; Wil Sinclair, Landscape Designer; Architectural Design: Jeremiah Steckman; Civil Engineering: Doug Desmond, PE Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods

Client: Greenstone Homes & Neighborhoods

People's Choice Award

As voted on by the people of Spokane.

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

Submitted by: NAC|Architecture

Project Team: NAC|Architecture | Walker Construction |Charles Cosler Theatre Design | Jaffe Holden Acoustics | L & S Engineering |Taylor Engineering, Inc |Structural Design Northwest | Roen Associates

Client: Spokane Symphony

Special Acknowledgments

Heritage Project: Riverfront Park / Expo '74 – King Cole
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a design project that has significantly contributed to Spokane's quality of life.

RFP Expo 74

Creative Citizen: Downtown Spokane Partnership
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a person or group whose work has enhanced Spokane's urban fabric.

Downtown Spokane Partnership

Shrinking Lilac: Hillyard Skatepark
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to an exceptional project not previously nominated for a Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Award.

Hillyard Skatepark

2007 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award

Our highest honor, awarded to projects for singular adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

Great Spokane River Gorge - Strategic Master Plan

Great Spokane River Gorge Master Plan

Awarded to: Friends of the Falls

Project Team: Moore, Iacofano Goltsman, Inc., Michael Terrell, ASLA, Jones and Jones, Ltd., Robert Peccia, Economic Research Associates, Thomas, Dean & Hoskins, Friends of the Falls Board of Directors, Mayor James E. West, Spokane Park Board, Sen. Lisa Brown, Sen. Brad Benson, Rep. Timm Ormsby, Rep. Hans Dunshee, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Peaceful Valley, Browne's Addition, West Central, 2nd West Hills Neighborhood Councils, Downtown Spokane Partnership, Avista Utilities, City of Spokane, Numerous additional stakeholder groups, hundreds of citizen participants.

Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

Spokane Arena

Submitted by: ALSC Architects | Sherry Pratt VanVoorhis

Project Team: ALSC Architects | Ellerbe Becket | Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire | Flack & Kurtz | Peden Peterson Lee | Taylor Engineering | Sherry Pratt VanVoorhis | Michael Yantis Associates

Client: Spokane Public Faculties District

Ridgeview Elementary School

Ridgeview Elementary School

Submitted by: ALSC Architects

Project Team: ALSC Architects | T.W. Clark Construction of Spokane | Citizens of Spokane (Thinking and Planning Conference – May 2003)

Client: Spokane Public Schools

Merit Award

Awarded to projects which demonstrate truly excellent adherence to and execution of the Principles of good design.

809 West Main Street

MainStreet

Submitted by: ALSC Architects

Project Team: ALSC Architects | DEI Electrical Consultants | Wells and Company | DCI Engineers | Meulink Engineering | Goebel Construction | Explosive Illusions Photography

Client: CPC Development Company

Hawkins Edwards Office Building

Hawkins Edwards Office Building

Submitted by: Denny Christenson and Associates

Project Team: Denny Christenson and Associates | Wyatt Engineering Sherry Pratt VanVoorhis | DCI Engineers| Energy Control | Pennell Consulting | Kristen Bacon Interior Design

Client: Paul Hawkins & Dick Edwards

Wall Street Pedestrian Mall

Wall Street Pedestrian Mall

Submitted by: Sherry Pratt VanVoorhis Landscape Architects

Project Team: ALSC Architects

Client: City of Spokane

Spokane Falls Boulevard Sidewalk Renovations

Spokane Falls Sidewalk Renovations

Submitted by: Wheatland Bank

Project Team: Wheatland Bank | Land Expressions | River Park Properties | City of Spokane

Client: Wheatland Bank

N.A.T.I.V.E Project and Native Health Clinic

N.A.T.I.V.E Project and Native Health Clinic

Submitted by: Womer and Associates, Inc.

Project Team: Womer and Associates, Inc. | J.M. Grinnell, Contracting, Inc.| Richard Kielbon, R.A.

Client: N.A.T.I.V.E Project and Native Health Clinic

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

Lincoln Heights Elementary School

Submitted by: Integrus Architecture, PS

Project Team: Integrus Architecture, PS | MW Consulting Engineers | Escent Inc | Taylor Engineering | Abbotswood Design Group | GeoEngineers Inc. | Peterson Design Associates | SSA Acoustics, LLP

Client: Spokane Public Schools

People's Choice Award

As voted on by the people of Spokane.

Ben Burr Building

Ben Burr Building

Submitted by: Womer and Associates, Inc.

Project Team: Womer and Associates, Inc.| J. Kimball Barnard, AIA | George Doran, General Contractor, Inc.

Client: Worthy Enterprises, LLC

Special Acknowledgments

Shrinking Lilac: Moore-Turner Heritage Garden
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to an exceptional project not previously nominated for a Spokane Mayor's Urban Design Award.

Awarded to: Lynn Mandyke, Project Manager

Moore-Turner Heritage Garden

Creative Citizen: Jim Kolva
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a person or group whose work has enhanced Spokane's urban fabric.

Awarded to: Jim Kolva

Jim Kolva

Meritorious Creative Citizens Award: Cathedral Plaza Tenant Flower Bed Project
To recognize the efforts of Elsie Cobb, Marie Pizelo, Harry Bright, Site Management and other tenant volunteers of Cathedral Plaza for their "Cathedral Plaza Tenant Flower Bed Project".

Awarded to: Elsie Cobb, Marie Pizelo, Harry Bright, Site Management and other tenant volunteers of Cathedral Plaza

Cathedral Plaza Tenant Flower Bed Project

Heritage Project: 1908 Olmsted Park Plan
A special acknowledgement given by the Design Review Board to a design project that has significantly contributed to Spokane's quality of life.

Awarded to: Spokane Park Board and Spokane Parks & Recreation Department

1908 Olmsted Park Plan

Contact

Omar Akkari
Urban Designer
509.625.6146
oakkari@spokanecity.org

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