Merit Awards
Plan NH believes that what we build, where we build, and how we build have an influence on the health and vibrancy of a community
Our mission is to raise awareness of that link – within those professionals in the building industries, and within the communities themselves.
We do so by championing Smart Growth and Livability Principles, Social Responsibility, and creative approaches to collaboration and cooperation.
One way we do that is by showcasing outstanding projects that reflect the mission and spirit of Plan New Hampshire.
Plan New Hampshire is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Merit Awards of Excellence in planning, design, and/or development of the built environment in New Hampshire.
The jury, led by Kyle Barker of Barker Architects in Concord, consisted of Plan NH members from the fields of planning, design, facilities management, and insurance. They reviewed numerous nominations, and chose what they believed were outstanding examples of projects (completed since 2008) that reflect the spirit of Plan NH, including smart growth principles, social responsibility, and collaboration.
Merit Awards of Excellence
For each project, the selection team chose to also honor the architect, whose vision and passion were instrumental in making the project happen, come to completion and fruition.
The Grange Lofts, Durham
Built in 1860 and used for 33 years as a schoolhouse, this building was then used as a Grange Hall from 1893 – 1982. After 30 years of sitting empty, the building was moved forward to the street, had an addition put on, and now provides retail and residential spaces (including the first workforce housing units in Durham) in a manner fitting the town/gown atmosphere of the neighborhood.
The jury liked the historic preservation aspect of this project, and that the addition was done in a way that is sympathetic to the original design and to the neighborhood. They saw this as a creative solution to an adaptable reuse challenge.
Peter Murphy, Owner
Key Players: Isaak Design, MJS Engineering, and Timothy J. Noonan Construction
Hampton Beach State Park Redevelopment Project
A new Seashell Complex (with stage, meeting spaces, public rest rooms and more) is the focal point of this redeveloped beach park, which is accessible for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those in wheelchairs. The enhanced Boardwalk, new pavilions and links to the businesses across the street, with new signage, lighting and access ramps give pleasure to over 1,000,000 visitors a year.
The jury thought this was a really “neat” project, which built community as it developed the new plans. They liked the nod to the beach’s historic architecture in the details, the sustainable elements of the overall project, and how the park goes a good length of the beach so even more people may enjoy it.
New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, Owner
Key Players: Samyn-D’Elia Architects, Harvey Construction Corporation, ORW Landscape Architects and Planners, Vanesse Hangen Brustlin, Yeaton Associates, CPB and Associates, Foley Buhl Roberts and Associates, J&M Lighting Design, SW Cole Geotechnical Engineers, and Hampton Beach Area Commission.
Honorable Mention
Each of these projects was recognized for outstanding commitment to community, and as inspirations for all in the building industries to give to projects that make a difference in their own towns and neighborhoods.
The Friendly Kitchen, Concord
Rebuilt on a new site after the original burned down, this building and program serve food to homeless and low-income people in the Concord area.
The jury liked that so many building design and other services were donated to this project, which is located in the unofficial heart of the service area. This is an outstanding example of social responsibility applied to a building project
The Friendly Kitchen, Owner
Key Players: Warrenstreet Architects, Cobb Hill Construction, Nobis Engineering, TF Moran, Yeaton Associates, Northeast Food Services Equipment and Supply, Richard Uchida, Esq, Joseph St. Pierre Photography.
Honorable Mention
Building on Hope – Manchester Girls Incorporated Facility
Building on Hope is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to work in partnership with the building trades to improve physical facilities for non-profits who provide services that contribute significantly to the community. The Girls Inc. program provides various services from instruction to meals to girls, their families and community members. This project was a makeover of the Girls’ facility, which had at one time been a church. Today, there is a waiting list for services.
The jury liked that it was a rehabilitation of an existing building, and that all work was done by volunteers – and completed in two weeks. They were also impressed by the extent of the collaboration efforts that went into this, including all the community input.
Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, Owner
Key Players: Building on Hope, Warrenstreet Architects and over 300 individuals and organizations
Plan NH is a 501( c ) 3 established in 1989. Its membership is made up of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, contractors and others related to the building industries. Plan NH has a vision of healthy and vibrant towns and neighborhoods, and raises awareness of the link between the built environment and the social, economic and environmental fabrics of our communities.
For more information, go to www.plannh.org and to vibrantvillagesnh.org.