We were recently recognized for our work on the Evergreen Center administration building addition in Buffalo, winning the Buffalo/Western New York American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 Community Award. The community awards are presented to outstanding projects, both built and unbuilt, that exemplify the best of quality, innovation, and collaboration in the profession.
The Evergreen Center is a part of Evergreen Health, which provides a broad range of medical, supportive and behavioral health services in the Buffalo area. We worked with Evergreen to design a five-story, 35,000 SF addition to their existing facility, including an expansion to their administrative space.
“We are thrilled with the award and SWBR’s efforts to ensure a beautiful new administration space for our employees and patients,” said Justin Azzarella, Vice President of Community Development for Evergreen Health.
Our structural engineers met the challenge to create a design to connect the modern addition to the existing historic structure without imparting significant load. New foundations were kept clear of the existing building at the lowest levels. The connecting bridges at upper floors were hung from the addition’s roof to keep them structurally independent. Additionally, a cost-efficient SidePlate lateral force-resisting system was employed—a first in this area—saving steel tonnage and expediting erection.
“By working hand in hand with Evergreen Health, we were able to add onto the historic structure and convert the overall building into a modern administration and medical clinic space for their employees and patients,” said Joe Gibbons, AIA, principal in charge of the Evergreen Center project.