Project Receives 2013 American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Burnham Place at Union Station Master Plan has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with one of its highest honors, Institute Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design. Developed by Shalom Baranes Associates (SBA) on behalf of DC-based real estate firm, Akridge, the plan ties together three million square feet of mixed use air rights development with a multi-level expansion of Union Station and the surrounding neighborhoods. SBA and Akridge joined Amtrak and its team of Parsons Brinckerhoff, HOK, and LAB, Inc. to develop a framework to triple the station's capacity, improve passenger experience, and enhance the vitality of the city and region. Recipients of this AIA award are recognized for their thoughtfulness and advancements in urban design, city planning, and community development. "We are honored that the AIA has recognized Shalom Baranes' carefully balanced planning work to date and the tremendous regional influence this project will have," said Akridge President, Matthew J. Klein. "We look forward to the collaboration ahead with the multitude of stakeholders who will enhance this framework and come together to make this project a reality." Submissions for the 2013 awards were judged by a jury of five individuals: Mark Shapiro of Mithun, Inc., Ellen Dunham-Jones of Georgia Institute of Technology, William A. Gilchrist of Place Based Planning, Toni L. Griffin of The City College of New York, and Thomas E. Luebke of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The Honor Awards for Regional and Urban Design will be formally presented in June in Denver, Colorado.
