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MDHA Projects Recognized by Architects | 2012-08-13

Mark Drury
Director of Communications
615-252-8418: Office
615-330-7587: Cell
mdrury@nashville-mdha.org

August 13, 2012

MDHA Projects Recognized by Tennessee Architects Organization
TN Chapter of American Institute of Architects Praises Bridge Building, Cumberland Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Chapter of The American Institute of Architects has recognized MDHA’s renovation of the former NABRICO Building (now known as the Bridge Building) and the construction of Cumberland Park as being among the state’s top achievements in design in its 2012 Design Excellence awards.

The awards were announced during the chapter’s recent state convention in Chattanooga. The projects were selected by a jury chaired by Reed Kroloff, dean of the Cranbrook Art Academy in Detroit, Mich., and included experts in the field of design and architecture from the Detroit area. The jury reviewed more than 70 projects from across Tennessee and jurors remarked the field of applicants was very high in overall quality while representing a wide variety of sizes and budgets.

“Cumberland Park and the renovation of the Bridge Building are just the first steps in reconnecting the people of Nashville with the Cumberland River,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. “I’m pleased the design and architecture community has recognized the careful thought and innovative planning that went into our plans to redevelop the riverfront.”

“MDHA is very proud of the effort to reclaim Nashville’s waterfront through innovative projects like Cumberland Park and the Bridge Building,” said MDHA Executive Director Phil Ryan. “The success in the design and construction of these public spaces can be seen in their popularity with the public, and they’ve been essential to helping the community recognize the role the Cumberland River plays in the civic life of our community.”

The Bridge Building, recognized by AIA-Tennessee in the Renovation/Restoration category, was designed by Hastings Architecture Associates, LLC of Nashville. The jury’s comments praised the project’s “sculptural, bold language befitting a public space; the intervention creates a landmark and offers a backdrop for public dialogue.” The jurors also remarked the Bridge Building “preserves the original design while bringing in modern-day improvements.”

Cumberland Park was named as a Merit Award winner in the New Construction category. The park was designed by EOA Architects, PLLC and Hargreaves Associates, both of Nashville. Jurors lauded the 6.5-acre Cumberland Park, saying it “gives Nashvillians many more reasons to enjoy downtown,” and calling it “a flagship for the New Riverfront Revitalization Plan.” The jury recognized the variety of spaces within the park that energize the waterfront, and noted the importance of transforming what it called “an industrial wasteland” into a cool park for families.

A total of eight awards were presented to projects designed by members of the Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects. A complete list of the 2012 AIA-Tennessee Design Excellence award winners can be found at www.aiatn.org.

Additional information about the awards can be provided by Sheila Leggett at Sheila@aiatn.org or by calling (615) 255-3860.

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The Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency administers a variety of urban and community development projects, works to increase the availability of affordable housing, and leads and supports revitalization efforts in downtown and neighborhoods throughout the city.