SWBR has been recognized with two awards by the Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. AIA Rochester’s annual Design Excellence Awards honors excellence and achievement in architectural design, sustainability, and innovation.
Honored with the Community Impact Award, the Irondequoit Community Center is the adaptive reuse of the long-vacant Irondequoit Mall. The new 42,000 SF center provides an overdue resource for the community and serves as an anchor in the redevelopment of the long-empty mall space. SWBR provided architectural, interior design, structural engineering, landscape architecture, and graphic design services for the project.
Jury Comment:
“It is refreshing to see new life brought to an underutilized, cavernous, suburban mall building. The places were well organized around the existing skylight to maximize natural light and create an energetic community space. The project is a wonderful example of an adaptive reuse that provides a great community resource.”
Home Leasing’s Union Square Apartments was recognized with a Citation Award. Located at the eastern gateway to downtown Rochester, the new four-story, mixed-use community consists of 72 apartments with modern amenities and conveniences. The project is part of the City of Rochester’s Inner Loop East Transformation Project. SWBR provided architectural, interior design, and landscape architecture design services for the project.
Jury Comment:
“The project demonstrated a fresh approach to affordable housing, demonstrating a strong case that good design is for all. The attention to site placement and follow through into the considerations for the composition and material palette was well done. The interiors and exteriors were cohesive in their modern design and sensibilities.”
The annual awards ceremony was held June 9, 2022, at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY.