2010 Niagara Community Design Awards - Winners
This is the sixth 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
- Small Scale Projects
- Large Scale Projects
- Public Realm Improvement
- Architecture
- Sustainablity
- Façade Improvement
- Adaptive Re-use
- Brownfield
- Policy & Plans
Award Winners
Small Scale Project
This award recognizes an infill or redevelopment project that is smaller in scale or nature that demonstrates excellence in design. This project creatively and effectively uses the site, is complimentary to the existing surroundings, and intensifies and provides additional choice within the area.
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2010 Award Winner: High on Rye, 731 Rye Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake |
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Nominated, Nominator and Architect |
David Parker and Parker Architects Inc. |
Noted for its distinctive style, this modern infill development highlights the ability to complement its historic surroundings without replicating them. The high quality of design and detailing in this small-scale development has received a positive response and recognition in the community. The use of colour, and articulation of the roof and front façade provide visual interest and a welcoming presence on the street, while also succeeding in minimizing such features as the garage.
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.
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2010 Award Winner: Royal Henley Retirement Residence, 582 Ontario Street, St. Catharines |
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Owner |
Rod Wilson and St. Catharines Facility Inc. |
Architect, Nominator and Nominated |
Michael Mirynech and 2M Architects |
Engineer |
James McWilliams and McWilliams & Associates Ltd. |
Interior Design Consultant |
Judy Newcombe and Newcombe Design Associates Inc. |
Builder |
Al Brouwer and Brouwer Construction Ltd. |
This once vacant piece of urban land has been transformed into an attractive 118 unit retirement residence with amenity clubhouse and well landscaped grounds. The design effectively uses the space, and will meet the needs of its residents through its central location to basic amenities, and design that can be easily switched to a full care residence. The variation of colours and materials, defined entrances on the street as well as the side, and abundance of windows and balconies provides a visually interesting street presence that also seems as if it would provide an abundance of light for residents.
2010 Honourable Mention: Fallsview Waterpark, 5683 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls |
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Nominated and Builder |
Michael Dicenzo, V.P. Development and Canadian Niagara Hotels |
Consultant |
Keith McEwen and Clearspan Inc. |
Architect and Nominator |
Emilio Raimondo and Raimondo and Associates Architects Inc. |
Engineer |
Michael Schor and Steelcon Engineering |
Specialist Consultant |
Bernie Gall and Acapulco Pools |
Situated atop a parking garage, close to the focus of tourist activity on Clifton Hill, the Fallsview Waterpark presents a creative and fun intensification of the site. The five storey water park houses a multitude of water experiences to provide visitors a year round urban oasis in a central location close to nearby hotels and other amusements. The abundance of uses on this site demonstrates creativity and ingenuity that appeals to a wide audience, fits its surroundings, and effectively uses land.
2010 Honourable Mention: Welch Hall Addition, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines |
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Nominated |
Scott Roper and Scott Walker, Brock University / Donald Schmitt and Birgit Siber and Diamond and Schmitt Architects |
Architect and Nominator |
Donald Schmitt, Principal and Diamond and Schmitt Architects |
Engineer (Structural) |
David Bowick, Principal and Blackwell Bowick Partnership Ltd. |
Engineer (Mechanical & Electrical) |
Peter Vanderwesten, Principal and Vanderwesten Rutherford Mantecon |
Specialist Consultant |
John Hillier, Principal and du Toit Allsopp Hillier |
Specialist Consultant |
Gerard McCabe, Principal, Turner & Townsend Curran McCabe Ravindran Ross |
Specialist Consultant |
Richard Hodge, Principal, Upper Canada Consultants |
Builder |
Jean St. Pierre, Project Manager, Merit Contractors |
Designed to consolidate and create space for the Faculty of Education, the addition creatively integrates an expansion into a compact space that compliments, but does not replicate, the original Welch Hall. Noted for the landscaping techniques, use of a variety of materials that will allow an abundance of light into the building, and greater presence on University Road, this building provides an attractive and creative intensification of the site.
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.
2010 Award Winner: Old Courthouse, 101 King Street, St. Catharines |
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Nominated |
Paul Chapman, Director of Planning Services, City of St. Catharines |
Landscape Architect |
Wendy Shearer, MHBC Planning, Urban Design and Landscape Architects |
Nominator |
Judy Pihach, Manager of Planning Services, City of St. Catharines |
Completed in the fall of 2003, the landscaping of the grounds of the Old Courthouse in St. Catharines have truly lived up to their intention of making the site an active site for people to gather,listen to music, or eat a meal. The design is in keeping with the historic setting and fountain, provides plenty of seating, offers a logical flow of paths, and showcases a wide array of flowers, plants, and trees. The iron fencing provides a defined edge to the street while offering an inviting setting that incorporate natural elements.
2010 Honourable Mention: Merritton Cenotaph, 343 Merritt Street, St. Catharines |
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Nominated |
Peter Thompstone and Peter Howes, Co-chairs, Green Committee |
Consultant |
Alfidome Construction Ltd. |
Engineers |
Denco Engineering Ltd. |
Specialist Consultant |
Dykstra Landscaping & Holdings |
Builder |
Stevensville Lawn Service Inc. |
Nominator |
Judy Pihach, Manager of Planning Services, City of St. Catharines |
The simple and clear design of the Merritton Cenotaph provides a fitting setting for commemorating, contemplation, and celebration of those who have fought. The defined lines and four-season landscaping give the setting a solemn gracefulness. The importance of the space to the community was demonstrated through the amount of donations of time, money and resources to see it to completion.
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 urban design, 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.
2010 Award Winner: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, 5 Robinson Street North, Grimsby |
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Owner |
Niagara District Catholic School Board |
Nominated, Nominator and Architect |
Venerino Panici, Principal, Venerino Panici Architect Inc. |
This project creatively uses urban space for the development of an elementary school that incorporates parking requirements and drop off capabilities for students to the side of the property, with a defined playground to the rear. The front and side façades of the building are well articulated with a variety of materials and lines. The design incorporates innovative features that include energy efficiencies and support technology while maintaining a graceful presence.
Sustainablity
This award recognizes projects that meet a higher standard of environmental efficiency such as LEED certification. The award could be for residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings; may be public or private and could be within urban or rural/agricultural areas. Included in consideration of this award is site design, building materials, and/or environmental efficiency.
2010 Award Winner: Ridley Athletic Complex, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines |
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Nominated |
Jonathan Leigh, Headmaster and George Hendrie, Board of Governors Chair |
Architect, Engineer and Nominator |
Robert MacKenzie, President, Quartek Group Inc Architects and Engineers |
The design of the Athletic Complex at Ridley has incorporated sustainable choices towards site placement; energy, material and water efficiencies; and air quality considerations. The relatively small footprint of the arena has been achieved through internal layout efficiencies, while the placement links with the existing sports fields, resulting in improved site continuity. The new complex provides Ridley with a year-round arena; the former arena has been transformed through this development into a field house for indoor training, and the systems in the two buildings have been integrated to re-use latent energy. The design of the building uses materials and landscaping that complement the existing campus, while integrating new uses on the site that provide long-term environmental benefits and savings.
2010 Honourable Mention: Morrison Street Apartments, 4525 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls |
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Nominated |
Phil Ritchie, President, Keefer Developments Ltd. |
Architect |
Henry Swinkels, Henry Swinkels Architect |
Builder |
Mark Shoalts and Mark Piech, Shoalts Brothers Constructions Ltd. |
Nominator |
Bob Bolibruck, Manager of Community Improvement, City of Niagara Falls |
Built as an affordable housing development, this LEED registered building provides 23 apartment units and 2 duplexes in an infill lot close to downtown. The apartments feature a water recovery system, energy efficient appliances and fixtures, natural vegetation, recycled materials and a heat recovery ventilation system. The design of the building complements the existing surroundings through a similar height, roofline and materials, and demonstrates the possibilities of providing innovative techniques on a tight budget in a small space.
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.
2010 Award Winner: Shaw Club Hotel & Spa & Zee's Grill, 92 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake |
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Nominated |
Howard Zemsky and Sue Murray, President, Niagara's Finest Inns |
Architect and Nominator |
Wayne Murray, President, Chapman Murray Associates Architects Inc. |
Builder - Shaw Club |
Don Ward, President, Charter Commercial Contractors |
Builder - Zee's Grill |
Frank Schoonings, President, Aldo Builders Ltd. |
The improvement to the façade of the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa and Zee's Grill provided improvements to the visual attractiveness of the outside of the building as well as interior improvements. The experience of visitors of the hotel has been improved through the enlargement of some rooms and the creation of balconies to others, while the restaurant has benefitted from the inclusion of greater seating choice throughout the year with an outdoor patio and enclosable area. Changes in materials, colour schemes, landscaping, and the addition of windows, balconies and porches have all succeeded in ensuring an inviting street presence while providing additional choice on the site.
2010 Honourable Mention: Historic Niagara Development - Cranberry Creek, 4444 Queen Street, Niagara Falls |
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Architect |
Andrew Hellwig, Principal Architect, Contract Design Group Associates |
Builder |
Philippe Pepin, Site Supervisor, Givic Construction |
Nominator |
Bob Bolibruck, Manager of Community Development, City of Niagara Falls |
Improved through the use of financial incentives offered in the downtown, this façade improvement demonstrates the changes that can be made to take a plain building to make it a distinctive and inviting part of the landscape. The use of colour, new signage, awnings, and detailing has all refreshed the face of this building, and demonstrate a sense of creativity and playfulness.
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.
2010 Award Winner: Stirling Inn and Spa, 5135 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls |
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Owner |
Faisal Merani, President, 1174757 Ontario Inc. |
Nominated, Nominator & Architect |
Michael D. Allen, Principal, Allen & Chui Architects Inc. |
Landscape Architect |
Paula Berketo, Paula Berketo Landscape |
Builder |
Niacon Construction |
Engineer (Structural) |
Sam Wong, SWS Engineering |
Engineer (Civil) |
Zakir Ali, Niagara Engineering |
Engineer (Mechanical) |
Simon Chow, Oasis Engineering Ltd. |
Engineer (Electrical) |
Raymond Kwok, Raymond Kwok & Associates |
Engineer (Sprinkler) |
Disano Sprinkler Design Ltd. |
Interior Design |
Scordino Design |
The former Borden Dairy plant and later nightclub has been transformed into a boutique inn and spa. The iconic milk bottle and entrance have been retained, utilizing them into the present attractive design. Other details of the structure were also refinished, including the ionic columns and the wooden structural beams, which have been exposed in the lobby area. The reuse of this landmark demonstrates the possibilities of reintegrating and repurposing sites in a creative manner, providing additional in the area.
2010 Honourable Mention: Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope, 178 King Street, Welland |
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Owner |
John Osczysko, Executive Director, Gateway of Niagara |
Nominated, Nominator and Architect |
Harald Ensslen, Principal, Macdonald Zuberec Ensslen Architects Inc. |
Engineer |
Thomas Yung, Owner and Structural Engineer, Lee Yung & Associates |
Builder |
Par Construction |
The transformation of this site has seen the addition of floors and circulation areas to offer a three-storey development with 2 commercial and 28 residential units on lands that were formerly home to two buildings ranging from one to three stories in height. The site has been adapted and intensified, ensuring it complements the existing surroundings while providing additional uses in the community. Concern for the residents' enjoyment of the site is evidenced through improved circulation, openable windows, a cohesive and attractive façade, and the addition of balconies.
Brownfield
This award recognizes the revitalization of a former brownfield site into one that once again integrates with the fabric of the community. The focus of this project involves site examination, any required remediation and redevelopment. The winning project demonstrates the smart growth principles through creativity, site development, utilization of existing servicing, creation of a mix and/or intensification of uses, and integration with the surroundings.
2010 Honourable Mention: Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Avenue, Niagara Falls |
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Nominated |
Mayor Jim Diodati, City of Niagara Falls |
Consultant |
David Schram, President, Urban & Environmental Management Inc. |
Architect |
Denny Bryan, President, Barry Bryan Associates (1991) Limited |
Builder |
Robert Aquino, Aquicon Construction |
Nominator |
Bob Bolibruck, Manager of Community Integration, City of Niagara Falls |
A 16.5 acre portion of the former Cytec lands have been remediated and revitalized through the development of a much needed four-pad arena for the City. The remediation included soil removal, crushing and reuse of stone and rubble on the site, and introduction of clean soil.The facility, located close to residential uses, provides a greater mix of uses in the area and is seen as a catalyst to further development.
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.
2010 Award Winner: The City of Port Colborne Downtown Central Business District, Community Improvement Plan |
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Owner |
Corporation of the City of Port Colborne |
Nominated |
Dan Aquilina, Director of Planning & Development, City of Port Colborne |
Consultants |
Luciano Piccioni, President, RCI Consulting, Kevin Muir, Glen Scheels, GSP Group, Bill O'Brien, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Ltd., Scott Llewellyn, S. Llewellyn and Associates Limited |
Nominator |
Lindsay Richardson, Community/Policy Planner, City of Port Colborne |
The Community Improvement Plan for the City of Port Colborne recognizes the importance of a mix of uses, quality design, changes to the public and private realm, the heritage of the area, the relationship with the Welland Canal, and the need for tools to ensure that the improvements can be realized. The Plan and accompanying Design Strategy are comprehensive documents that outline new Official Plan policies, identify areas for façade improvements and redevelopment, suggest potential changes for public and private spaces, and outline the incentive program. The Plan offers choice in the downtown core, with a strong emphasis on creating a distinctive and attractive community and will hopefully inspire well-designed development and redevelopment in the City in the coming years.
2010 Honourable Mention: Niagara College Landscape Master Plan, 300 Woodlawn Road, Welland |
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Nominated and Nominated |
Mal Woodhouse, Director - Facilities Management Services, Niagara College |
Consultant |
Glenn O'Connor, Partner, O'Connor Consulting Inc. |
Architect |
Steve Done, aTRM Atchitects |
The Landscape Master Plan, termed the 'Green Lung', in connection with the overall Master Plan reenergizes the Welland Campus of Niagara College to meet the needs of the future through the integration of additional facilities, concern for pedestrian and vehicle linkages through the campus, and the promotion of a variety of natural and recreation spaces for students and local residents to enjoy. The sustainability of the site will be demonstrated through the creation of specific areas and techniques including the expansion of the Carolinian forest, landscape gestures that foster the remediation and reuse of contaminated soils, storm water reuse, recreation of wildlife habitat, new geothermal energy systems, and the incorporation of living labs that connect the campus to the curriculum.
Congratulations to all of the 2010 Niagara Community Design Award Winners
Artist:
Mark Griffis
Awards Review Committee:
Richard Baker - Retired, Niagara Society of Architects
Glenn Barr - President, Barr Associates
Dr. Hugh Gayler - Professor, Brock University
John Gittings - Manager, Planning & Development, Niagara College
Ruedi Hofer - Retired, Landscape Architect
Ken Gonyou - Taro Planning & Development Inc.
Douglas McNaughton - Commercial Sales Rep., Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre
Bryan Morris - Planner, City of St. Catharines
Barbara Wiens - Planner, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Co-ordinator
Terri Donia - Project Manager, Integrated Community Planning, Niagara Region