Architects' group announces winners of design contest

Duket Porter Associates of Toledo won first place in the design competition for Sophie's Sister, a woman's clothing store in a historic building at 133 North Michigan Street. HO Enlarge

The Collaborative of Toledo won second place from the American Institute of Architects Toledo chapter for its renovation of the Ridge Student Center at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich. HO Enlarge

Poggemeyer Design Group of Bowling Green took third place with its transformation of a 100-year-old former jail into a records center and law library for Wood County. HO Enlarge

A downtown Toledo retail shop, a college building, and a government office complex won top honors in an annual design contest sponsored by the American Institute of Architects Toledo chapter.

Awards are to be presented this evening during a dinner at the Sylvania Country Club.

Also, the group has chosen Paul Hollenbeck, of the Collaborative, Toledo, as 2004 architect of the year.

First place in the design competition went to Duket Porter Associates, Toledo, for Sophie's Sister, a woman's clothing store opened in a historic building at 133 North Michigan St. "This shop has an understated urbane exterior which leads into a very sophisticated sales area," judges said.

Second place went to the Collaborative for renovation of the Ridge Student Center at Adrian College, Adrian, Mich. Taking third place was Poggemeyer Design Group, Bowling Green, for transforming a 100-year-old former jail into a records center and law library for Wood County. "Book stacks and record files fit perfectly into the old cell block, and the upper floor provides light for a humane and comfortable workspace," judges said.

Also cited were the Olander Park administration building, Sylvania, by the Collaborative; an Ohio Highway Patrol post in Sandusky by Duket Porter; Perrysburg's new police station by Munger Munger & Associates Architects Inc.; Lake Erie Islands regional welcome center, Port Clinton, by Poggemeyer, and Maumee Theatre renovations, by Poggemeyer.