Mayor Mary Verner announced today—at the location of one of the 2007 Urban Design Merit Award recipients, the Hawkins Edwards Office Building, 225 W. Main Ave.—that the City is now seeking applications for this year’s Mayor’s Urban Design Awards. The program is intended to recognize and thank people who contribute to Spokane’s quality of life and help implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan through good urban design. “Spokane’s image is defined by how it’s seen and experienced from our walkways, streets, and other public places,” says Mayor Verner. “The Hawkins Edwards Office Building is a wonderful example of a well designed project that creatively enhances Main Avenue’s pedestrian quality and visual appeal.” Award applications are due by noon on Monday, Aug. 3. Projects must have been completed between Jan. 1, 2003, and Aug. 3, 2009. They will be judged against “the 15 qualities of good urban design in Spokane” that are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan objectives and smart growth principles. The projects also must contribute to the City’s quality of life. Spokane’s Design Review Committee will do the initial screening of award applications and make recommendations to the Mayor, who will make the final selections for projects to be recognized with a Mayor’s Choice Award—the highest honor—or an Urban Design Merit Award. In addition, the public will be able to choose their favorite. All entries will be on display in the RiverPark Square shopping center from August 24 to September 16, and citizens will be able to vote for their favorite submitted design. The Mayor will announce the award winners in late September at a meeting of Spokane’s City Council. A call for entries and sheet explaining the 15 qualities of good urban design in Spokane are attached. |
