Title
2012 Citation of Honor Award from the Texas Society for the American Institute of Architects
Summary
MEETING DATE: November 6, 2012
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning
CONTACT: Guy R. Giersch, Historic Preservation Officer
Kevin Spath, AICP, Assistant Director of Planning
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: None
ITEM SUMMARY:
• McKinney’s Historic Downtown Square has been awarded the 2012 Texas Society for the American Institute of Architects’ Citation of Honor Award. The Citation Award recognizes the capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, physical function, and economic viability of the downtown and the community.
• Jim Wilson Architects, in conjunction with the Dallas Chapter of the AIA, nominated the City of McKinney for the Citation of Honor Award which was presented at the annual Texas AIA Conference in Austin, Texas on October 22, 2012.
• The Citation of Honor Award was created in 1971 to honor outstanding individuals, groups, and organizations outside the architectural profession who make important contributions to the profession and to architecture in Texas.
• The criterion for selection includes evidence of nominee's significant contributions that support the creation of a safe, beautiful, and sustainable environment which includes contributions toward the goals of the architectural profession for improvement of the built and natural environment in Texas.
• This award is a direct result of the steadfast commitment to the rehabilitation and revitalization of the Historic Downtown Square by City leadership, City staff, and citizens-including specific recognition of 4 projects over the past 10 years:
1. Rehabilitation of the Historic Collin County Courthouse into the McKinney Performance Arts Center (1999 - 2006)
2. Town Center Study Initiative (2006 - 2011)
3. Redesign/Reconstruction of the Downtown Square (2006 -- 2008)
4. Downtown Wayfinding System (2005 - 2008)
• According to Shade O’Quinn, AIA, and President of AIA Dallas, "McKinney’s downtown square is one of the symbols that people throughout North Texas recognize as being unique. The City of McKinney has taken clear strides to revitalize their downtown historic area by re-establishing the square as the primary public gathering place for citizens and visitors alike.”