MCC Daily Tribune

Design Excellence Award from AIA Rochester Recognizes MCC Downtown Campus

Monroe County representatives joined leaders from Monroe Community College (MCC) and LaBella Associates to receive the Design Excellence Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Rochester Chapter in the Institutional Category for projects over $2 million, in recognition of the innovative MCC Downtown Campus.

"Our state-of-the-art MCC Downtown Campus represents a substantial investment in higher education, workforce development, and new jobs and opportunity right here in Monroe County," said Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. "We are proud that this award recognizes Monroe County's commitment to creating a purpose-built Downtown Campus that will support a stronger workforce and economy here for years to come. On behalf of a grateful community, I thank our many talented project partners, including MCC, LaBella, DiMarco, and others, for their outstanding collaboration in completing this project on-time and on-budget."

The AIA's Design Excellence Award recognizes excellence in architectural design. As the managing agency, Monroe County worked closely with MCC and project architect LaBella Associates, construction manager DiMarco Group, as well as several subcontractors and trade unions.

"We are honored to have MCC's Downtown Campus be recognized by the American Institute of Architects, underscoring our county's and community's support of MCC and our students," said MCC President Anne M. Kress. "Years of inspiring work and extraordinary partnerships have resulted in a state-of-the-art campus that is transforming the lives of our students and enriching our community. The dynamic, collaborative, innovative learning environment empowers students today and for generations to come to live out their hopes, dreams and aspirations."

The Downtown Campus project was recognized during AIA Rochester's annual awards ceremony, held on Friday, June 15.

"We're proud that an esteemed jury of architects recognized the achievement of the Downtown Campus project," said Robert A. Healy, AIA, president of LaBella. "The design team managed many technical challenges in the transformation of an office environment into a campus with dynamic public spaces and pedagogy-driven features. The project represents the best of what's possible for bringing new life and new vision to our community's built environment."

The AIA is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the profession and practice of architecture. The group advocates for professional advancement, community involvement and promoting design excellence.

The MCC Downtown Campus already received the American Public Works Association's New York State Project of the Year Award, as well as LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

On Friday, June 22, the Rochester Business Journal will include a special section to support the 2018 AIA Rochester Design Awards in saluting excellence in architectural design.

Hency Yuen-Eng
Marketing and Community Relations
06/19/2018