| Sarasota,
FL: The City of Sarasota was recognized this afternoon by
a professional planning organization for exemplary planning
for two significant projects: the mixed-use Palm Avenue parking
garage development and the downtown wayfinding and signage
program. The awards were presented during the Florida Planning
and Zoning Association’s annual conference being held
at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. “It is exceptional
for the City to receive two awards. I think it can be directly
attributed to the strong vision of the City, participation
of the community, and the dedicated work of staff,”
said Courtney Mendez, Senior Planner. To view unedited video
from the awards banquet click
here.
The parking garage project was given the “Outstanding
Public Development
Award”, which is awarded for bricks and mortar projects.
“The Palm Avenue parking garage makes such a visual
statement that I think it caught the immediate attention of
the review committee,” said Ms. Mendez. “It was
the additional details, including the mixed use component
and planned LEED accreditation that really cinched the recognition.”
The wayfinding system received the “Outstanding
Public Study Award – By a Private Consultant”.
In this category, nine submissions from around the state were
judged. The City’s consultant, merje/Hillier Architects,
Inc., worked closely with City staff, downtown property owners
and other stakeholders to study, write, plan and develop the
system. “I think it was the thoroughness of the plan
and the progressive visual design of the signage that makes
it a first place finish in its category,” said Ms. Mendez.
The FPZA is a professional organization comprised
of urban planners, engineers and land use attorneys from the
public and private sectors. Membership is statewide ranging
from Tallahassee to Miami.
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