The addition to the downtown public library and a new home in the upscale Wildewood subdivision in Sylvania Township are among the winners of this year's design awards given by the Toledo chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
The recipients will be honored tonight at a dinner at Heatherdowns Country Club.
The design contest, in its fifth year, drew 19 entries, said Chuck McLaughlin, who was the judging panel's liaison. Judges were architects at three Detroit firms.
“We like to have our works in northwest Ohio ... commented on by the best architects in the country so we know we're keeping up with the cutting edge of architecture,” Mr. McLaughlin said.
This year's winners and some of the judges' comments:
Calling the project a “skillful addition to an existing building,” the judges made special note of a palette that recognizes original materials but gives them a new twist and the integration of the parking into a downtown site.
“Toledo's gift to itself,” the judges said.
Special note was given to the way the architects created a great working environment by integrating the showroom and workplace and using merchandise as part of the design.
“Demonstrates that it doesn't take a great deal to achieve a good design,” the judges said.
The lobby, which opens itself to show the activity going on, won particular praise, including compliments for the well-integrated structural elements. “A very handsome building,” said the judges..
The judges said the style of the home was “artfully handled,” expressing warmth and comfort by the use of a rich yet restrained palette, a central hall colonnade that serves as an organizing element framing vistas to the interior spaces, and a spectacular fireplace that serves as a central element.