Urban Land Institute Austin has announced the winners of the competitive projects categories in the organization’s annual Impact Awards, which were held Aug. 29 at ZACH Theatre. Austin ISD’s Rosedale School won the “Most Influential Project” award from a field of 15 nominees that also included Austin Community College’s Rio Grande campus and the Dell Jewish Community Center. Austin Community College’s Rio Grande campus won the “Best Project Innovation” award, besting 13 other projects, including The Campsite at Shield Ranch and Austin Energy’s District Cooling Plant 3. The “Best Project Design” award went to Block 185, which is known more commonly as the sail-shaped 35-story building that serves as Google’s downtown base. Austin Energy’s Corporate Headquarters at Mueller and the Music Lane project off South Congress were among the 20 nominees. Texas Capitol Complex was recognized with the “Best Public Place” award, ahead of five other projects, including the Blanton Museum of Art and ACC’s Rio Grande campus. The “Next Big Idea” award went to Austin Housing Conservancy, with the East 11th Street Urban Renewal District Development Study and the Live + Make Campus among the other four nominees.
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written... More by Chad Swiatecki