Designed by Behar + Peteranecz Architecture in St. Petersburg, FL and completed in 2018, the Seivold Center for Early Childhood Education is an immersive learning space that empowers students to learn through play, and to engage with the world around them by bringing the outside world indoors. The building is anchored by a whimsical life-sized tree and includes twelve unique classrooms, multiple large groups gathering spaces and two inspiring outdoor spaces.

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools, and universities across the country. Seventy-two projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, an educational facilities, purchasing, and business administration magazine reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators, and architects with this issue. This is the 30th year the competition has been held.

Each project was considered based on the following criteria:

• Clear project vision and organizational strategy
• Interior materials appropriately responsive to age group and school identity
• Flexible, adaptable and agile spaces and furnishings
• Considerations for safety and security
• Spaces responsive to various learning modalities that encourage and support student agency
• Durability and ease of maintenance
• Contextual and responsive to community needs and desires

More information about the Educational Interiors Showcase, including a complete list of 2020 projects selected for publication, is available on American School & University’s SchoolDesigns.com site, or by contacting Molly Roudebush, senior marketing manager, at mroudebush@ASUmag.com.

In keeping with the couple’s mantra of fun and relaxation, intimate outdoor spaces run parallel to the pool and beach beyond. The home’s lap board siding and stucco exterior and metal roof provide high resistance to the surprises of Mother Nature, while a timeless, classical vibe flows from the outside in. The interior palette embraces hues that connect with the water, ranging from watery blue to navy to aqua, all merging with the neutral shades and sugary white sand that is a mere stone’s throw away.

Styled with an eclectic mix of furnishings, the living room blends cool comfort with warm elegance. With relaxation in mind, the husband’s special request for the leather-clad lounge chairs meant for watching TV or just looking out to the beach went to the top of the list. “We went on a shopping expedition to High Point in North Carolina to hand select the most comfortable pieces,” Wiebe says.

Nearby, visual appeal highlights the dining room filled with intricate detail and splashes of color. No expense has been spared as chandeliers layered with capiz shells bring in the beauty of the sea above an oversized driftwood table. A delicate lattice scroll backs the side chairs seated in rich blue velvet that speaks to the host chairs tailored with an artful print and trimmed in pewter nailheads.

Fit for a chef, the expansive kitchen is designed for professional cooking and entertaining. Not one but two center islands fill the space with shiplap styling topped in the swirls and striations of quartzite. Creating a redefined look, each corner was constructed with columns that extend beyond the island. “We wanted to mimic the structural columns that are throughout the home,” the designer says. If that weren’t enough, a perpendicular third island becomes a great space for casual conversation and midday meals.

With no interruptions, the breakfast area appears to flow from the built-in banquette straight to the Gulf of Mexico. “It’s like a cruise ship; the space connects to the water behind it,” Wiebe says. A special host chair stands out in a brilliant, blue agate print, while a pair of white spiral chairs capture attention with a “twisted rope” effect that adds a hint of nautical whimsy.

For the gentleman of the house, a man cave was imperative. The only diversion from coastal chic, the game room and lounge area exude quintessential elegance. “We wanted the room to have a country club feel to it,” Behar says. “The dark-stained, mahogany walls and millwork are masculine with an Old Florida, turn-of-the-century appeal, while still having connectivity with the rest of the home and the Gulf of Mexico.”

The master suite is a restful and romantic space that brings a bit of the outdoors inside. Quiet colors and demure patterns are emphasized by oversized blue and beige paisleys as the prominent feature in the wool area rug. The bed is charming with its wood trim, sophisticated silhouette and finial corners. Continuity connects the periwinkle blue blocking pattern from the drapes to the pattern found in the shades that add warmth to the bedroom and master bath. “It’s one of my favorite things, I love the little dressmaker-style details,” the designer says. “I love this entire home; it embraces the splendor of five-star living on the beach.”

Whittaker has over 10 years of industry experience, including 8 at Behar + Peteranecz. During his career at Behar + Peteranecz, Whittaker has led many of the firm’s notable projects as project manager and team leader. His expertise has been recognized in his work leading the firm’s multiple senior living projects, as well as specialized health care and hospitality projects such as Clinical Research of West Florida, Shephard’s Beach Resort and Le Meridian Hotel Orlando. He is currently project manager on developing hospitality projects across the Tampa Bay area.

“I’m proud to have been with Behar + Peteranecz for over 8 years and it is a great honor to be recognized as an Associate Principal of the firm,” says Whittaker. “I’m looking forward to playing an expanded role on our team. Behar + Peteranecz has always been committed to the highest standards in architecture, from design and project management to client service. I’m proud to have the opportunity to be a leader on this team.”

The best way to honor the site’s past while also bringing new life to the Tropicana Field site, Vatelot writes, is to acknowledge those communities that were affected by its redevelopment and give them a stake in the future of the site.

“The site needs to provide varied scales of mixed-use programming so that people can work and live on-site and, most importantly, it needs to be a mixed-income neighborhood. Rather than building isolated affordable housing units, which ultimately reinforce the stigma that exists around poverty, we need to rethink our approach and begin to integrate affordable housing with moderate-income housing and higher-income housing,” writes Vatelot. “Our neighborhoods are economically segregated, and I propose that St. Pete boldly embrace forward-thinking policies which will benefit not only the African American community but the community at large by creating a mixed-income neighborhood in the heart of its city.”

Vatelot dedicated her graduate work at the USF School of Architecture and Community Design to the past and future of the Tropicana Field site. Now an Architectural Designer at Behar + Peteranecz Architecture, Vatelot is part of the architecture team designing The Factory St. Pete, located in the heart of South St. Pete.

“At Behar + Peteranecz we believe that a home or business doesn’t end at its walls. We are committed to social consciousness, positive impact, and to supporting the communities in which we work,” said Jordan Behar, founding principal at Behar + Peteranecz Architecture. “Sharing that commitment, Sarah-Jane brings a valuable resource and insight to our firm as our city continues to grow.”

The office boasts three designer restrooms showcasing modern, classical and urban design styles and an open walnut and glass kitchen stocked with snacks and local beer from 3 Daughters Brewing. The office is also equipped with modern tech including key fob access-control, Sonos-integrated music system, wireless screen sharing, and smart window shades throughout the office.

The two principals, Jordan Behar and Istvan Peteranecz, also have their desks alongside the team.

About the project

• Date of completed renovation: 2016
• Design and architecture: Behar + Peteranecz Architecture
• Property owner: Behar + Peteranecz Architecture
• Construction firm: Onicx Construction
• Square footage: 10,000 square feet
• Floor count: 1
• No. of company employees: 20
• Brief description of the business: Behar + Peteranecz Architecture is a client-focused design institution offering a full suite of custom building design services including master planning, architecture, historic preservation and interior design.

About the company

• Phone: 727-800-5300
• Address: 2430 Terminal Drive South, St. Petersburg
• Industry: Architecture and planning
• Website: architecturebp.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/BeharPeteranecz/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/behar-peteranecz-architecture/

Tucker has dedicated his career to architecture and project management with broad experience on public and private projects. He brings knowledge in the K-12, Higher Education, Hospitality, Healthcare, Military, Federal and Municipal sectors, with expertise in architectural technologies, construction, project management, and BIM best practices. At Behar + Peteranecz, Tucker will focus on quality control and design constructability as the firm continues to take on more expansive commercial developments.

Licensed in multiple states and Massachusetts Certified Public Procurement Officer (MCPPO) certified, Tucker comes to Behar + Peteranecz with over 30 years of industry experience acting in various capacities including Firm Principal, Project Architect, Project Manager and Technology Manager. Tucker will be based out of Behar Peteranecz Architecture’s home office in St. Petersburg, FL.

“Steve’s broad experience and expertise bring enhanced value to our clients and our firm,” said Jordan Behar, a founding principal at Behar + Peteranecz Architecture. “His detailed approach to project leadership and client-focused philosophy reflect the level of service we aim to bring to our clients every day and we’re excited to have him join our growing team.”

“Kathryn brings proven experience and a collaborative approach that will be invaluable in serving our clients,” said Jordan Behar, a founding principal at Behar + Peteranecz Architecture. “As a part of our growing team, Kathryn will be instrumental in collaborating with public and private partners, employing her expertise in city zoning and development regulations and passion for preservation to bring a new depth of knowledge and capability to our commercial studio.”

Younkin will be based in Behar + Peteranecz’s St. Petersburg headquarters. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Design and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning; she also earned a professional degree in Architecture from Florida A&M University.

“Kathryn has an exceptional record as an organizational leader and brings a unique approach to project management, communication, collaboration, and mentorship,” said Istvan Peteranecz, a founding principal at Behar + Peteranecz Architecture. “We are committed to building a strong, collaborative team and Kathryn brings invaluable perspective that we’re thrilled to add to the firm.”

The firm’s Panama City office is centrally located on 23rd Street and will offer the same innovative, detailed, client-centric architecture and design services that it is known for in the Tampa Bay area.

“This expansion was a natural next step for us,” says Jordan Behar, founder and Principal of Behar + Peteranecz Architecture. “Nick is well positioned to connect our firm to the community in Panama City, and we’re excited about the opportunity to build new client relationships and bring our reputation as a creative, detail-oriented firm to North Florida.”

Behar + Peteranecz Architecture offers a full suite of building design services including master planning, architecture, historic preservation and interior design. As a design institution, they perfectly balance detail, innovation, and practicality to create beautifully constructed commercial and residential spaces. Their holistic approach brings the dreams of their clients into reality through an efficient and creative process that has a strong foundation in design excellence; providing an aesthetically profound experience for all.

TAMPA — Since opening Dec. 8, 2016, the Bryan Glazer Family JCC has not only become a community hub, but the facility has picked up accolades for those who helped conceptualize and renovate the historic Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in West Tampa.

Tampa JCCs and Federation officials say it cost $31 million to transform the long-vacant and aging building – it opened the day after Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 – into today’s vibrant multi-use facility, which has been called “the communal heartbeat” and a “YMCA on steroids.”

The Federation agreed from the start to preserve much of the art-deco exterior. A leaky roof was replaced and scores of windows with small panes and aging frames were restored to keep the exterior look, yet weatherproofed to today’s standards. The armory’s seal, embedded in the floor and emblazoned with the motto Never a Step Backward, were retained. Other efforts were made to create displays highlighting the building’s past as a venue for speeches by President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, as well as the many professional wrestling bouts and musical concerts.

A new grand entrance was built and air conditioning was added. An elevated jogging track was created around a new gymnasium and a large variety of fitness and exercise equipment was added. The new creation also includes a premier events center, stage for lectures and performing arts and screens for showing movies. A café, aquatics center, arts center, and agency offices are also part of the new JCC.

At the 6th Annual CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Tampa Bay Excellence Awards in November, FleischmanGarcia Architecture, the architect of record for the JCC project, and BeharPeteranecz Architecture, the firm that designed the center’s Jeff and Penny Vinik Grand Entry and other parts of the facility, were both honored with the Exterior Architecture Excellence award.

The same evening, Creative Contractors Inc. took home a Construction Renovation Excellence award for their work on the Glazer JCC. The construction firm also received an Excellence in Construction award for the project from the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter at a separate event.

At the 35th Annual Planning & Design awards in October, FleischmanGarcia received the Jan Abell Award from the Hillsborough Planning Commission for the Glazer JCC’s outstanding contributions to the community. The judges loved the adaptive reuse of the armory and how the new look, both inside and out, incorporates historic preservation.

Capping off its award-winning first year, the Glazer JCC placed third in the Florida Foundation for Architecture’s People’s Choice awards.

David Scher, a commercial real estate developer and member of the Tampa JCCs and Federation’s Leadership Council, was there to help receive most of the awards. As lay chairman, Scher was heavily involved with the project from its initial inception.

He, along with Tampa JCCs and Federation CEO Gary Gould, worked with pencils and paper at Scher’s dining room table on a Sunday afternoon more than five years ago and developed the original conceptual framework the project was designed around.

“It was a very ambitious idea,” noted Sol Fleischman Jr., chairman and CEO of FleischmanGarcia. “We helped put together a master plan, floor plan and rendering for the site, which were circulated among various influencers in the community to gauge interest in the project. There was obviously considerable excitement.”

After Scher headed the effort to negotiate the lease for the property, he and Fleischman became involved in every aspect of the project – from the design and planning to the construction documents and administration. They also worked closely with Gould, Jack Ross, the former executive director of the JCCs, and Sally Benjamin, the organization’s chief financial and administrative officer, until the JCC opened its doors.

Creative Contractors Inc. and its vice president, Josh Bomstein, were brought on as the general contractor to help the building’s renovation and construction come to fruition and according to Gould, “did a remarkable job.”

Bryan Glazer, who the facility is named in honor of, has had a long-term interest in architecture and he also contributed several innovative concepts that were used in designing the facility. “Bryan’s ideas were very creative and extremely helpful,” Gould said.

When recently reached for comment, both Scher and Fleischman reflected on the Glazer JCC in its completed state.

“How lucky are we to be surrounded by such wonderful art at the JCC, from the remarkable Art Deco armory building to the brand-new Roberta M. Golding Center for Visual Arts and the exciting new art collection that adorns the facility’s walls,” Scher said. “How does an individual get such an opportunity in a lifetime to contribute something of this magnitude? It was a blessing.”

A lifelong native of Tampa, Fleischman has many fond memories of the armory building during its previous heyday as a premier event venue throughout the 1950s-‘60s. “I’m so pleased I was able to be a part of helping the building continue for at least another 75 years.”

The hotel, which will have the international upscale Le Meridien brand, will sit on the east side of the property with parking surrounding it. The flag, part of the Marriott International family, boasts a European-style of design and modernism that has more than 100 locations in 35 countries. Executives with Empire Equities could not be reached for comment.

Empire Equities’ plans have changed over several years, including the location of the hotel. The company originally wanted to build a 365-room tower, dubbed the Empire Hotel, off Universal Boulevard, but the project never came to fruition. It wasn’t until last year that its plans started to pick up steam again with the purchase of the land near SeaWorld.

Current documents filed with the county show the hotel’s team includes Orlando-based Harris Civil Engineers LLC and architect Behar Peteranecz from St. Petersburg, among others.

New hotel properties still are needed in Orlando, as the region’s $60 billion tourism industry drew a record 68 million tourists in 2016, and it’s expected that the figure will be higher for 2017.

Lele announced in April that Marriott International had given the go-ahead for his project, which would include a 166-room JW Marriott Hotel and 36 fully furnished residences that owners could occupy a month at a time and rent out under Marriott management.

JW Marriott is considered one of the world’s top luxury hotel brands. The residences would JW Marriott’s first in the United States.

Lele said reservations initially were strong, but slowed for various reasons. Plans had to be redone to comply with new state fire protection codes and Marriott wanted the parking garage redesigned to present a “beautiful facade from the street,” Lele said.

On Sept. 10, Hurricane Irma brushed the Tampa Bay area with strong winds, causing enough damage to the existing hotel on the site that it had to close for three weeks. The sales center for the JW Marriott Residences was in the hotel.

So far, prospective buyers have put down deposits on units ranging in price from $550,000 for a one-bedroom, one- bath unit to $1.325 million for three bedrooms and two baths, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

Located at 691 S Gulfview Boulevard, the site of the residences does not directly front the Gulf of Mexico and instead is closer to the bridge leading to Sand Key. The project is advertised as having a “private beach” although property appraiser records show that most of the beach is public.

“Unless you’re actually staying at the property you can’t get there except by swimming in,” Lele said. He added, though, that he would change the description,.

Lele said he has financing for the project though he would not disclose the names of the lenders or investors. Once another two units are under contract, the existing hotel would be demolished and construction could begin late next spring, he said.

Last week, developers announced that JW Marriott will run a new 519-room hotel next to the existing Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in Tampa. Construction on the 26-story hotel, part of the $3 billion Water Street Tampa mixed-use project, is expected to start early next year and be completed in time for Super Bowl LV to be held in Tampa in February 2021.

Plasencia said he thinks the Tampa hotel — which he called a “done deal’’— would have little effect on the JW Marriott Residences, either as a competitor or as a marketing tie-in.

“The two are far enough apart from each other that if the Clearwater property were to be built, they would really not compete all that much with each other,” he said. The downtown Tampa project is much more of a group hotel and corporate transient property whereas the Clearwater one is more leisure-oriented.

Constructed in 1941 for the Florida National Guard and the United States Army Reserves use, the Fort Homer W. Hesterly Armory has also served as Tampa’s largest and most popular venue for entertainment and community activities. As an important historic landmark for the City of Tampa, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.Vacant since 2004, the Armory was deteriorating at a rapid pace. Yet, the structure was found to be in excellent condition. While many potential uses for the Armory had been explored and rejected by the City of Tampa, the use as a new South Tampa Jewish Community Center (JCC) with a 600 seat state-of-the-art event center, gymnasium, competition swimming pool, fitness center, childcare, and meeting rooms has proven to be the right choice. A needed community center serving people of all religions, the new JCC has energized the neighborhood and spurred additional development and enhancements.

The judges loved the adaptive reuse of the Armory and how the new look, inside and outside, incorporated historic preservation. The center has become a catalyst for revitalization, transforming the NoHo/West Tampa community. Thank you for preserving this historic treasure and investing to improve the quality of life in our community!

Awards of Outstanding Contribution to the Community

Category | Entertainment
Playable Urban Interventions

– The Urban Conga

The Urban Conga is a Tampa based design firm that promotes community activity and social interaction through play. By creating interactive installations and environments, they spark fun, creativity, exploration, and free-choice learning. Created by University of South Florida architecture graduate Ryan Swanson, the Urban Conga interjects activity into the underutilized spaces of downtown Tampa through play. As a part of inspiring people to play every day and incorporate play into their normal routines, the innovative idea of “play everywhere” continues to be implemented by bringing play to unexpected but everyday spaces, making it easy and available.

Our judges adored everything about how Playable Urban Interventions takes the “live, work, play” theme to a new level. They found that through both temporary and permanent installations, creating unexpected places to play as a norm in our urban fabric is innovative, engaging, and very transferable to other communities.

Category | Environmental
Rock Ponds Ecosystem Restoration Project

– SWIM Program of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
– Conservation and Environmental
Lands Management Department of Hillsborough County
– Scheda Ecological Associates

The largest coastal restoration project ever performed for Tampa Bay is a cooperative effort between SWFWMD’s Surface Water Improvement and Management Program (SWIM) and the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department of Hillsborough County. A component of management plans of both the SWIM Program and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the Rock Ponds are located on three public parcels in southeastern Tampa Bay. Historically, the site contained coastal pine and hardwood forests and various estuarine and freshwater habitats. This project involves the restoration and enhancement of 1.6 square miles of various coastal habitats including 16.2 miles of new Tampa Bay shoreline. In addition, the project creatively helps restore the area’s hydrology, improves the bay’s water quality, creates fisheries habitats, and supplements important bird nesting and feeding habitats. This project complements the adjacent 500 acre SWIM/Hillsborough County Cockroach Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project, with both sites open for public use.

The judges were overflowing with praise for the Rock Ponds Restoration.
They loved the nature of this project and the incredible public engagement including the nearly 2100 volunteers who installed 200,000+ marsh plants! The indefinite list of environmental benefits to the Tampa Bay Estuary and the region is a triumph for collaborative inter-agency coordination to enhance successful implementation and monitoring.

Category | Participation
Sidewalk Stompers

– Founders Emily Hay Hinsdale | Tim & Ashley Scheu | Matti & Vanessa Rukholm

A volunteer organization, Sidewalk Stompers powers community building and safer pedestrian pathways via school-based walking programs and public advocacy. It focuses on making it safer for children to get to school by building a larger community commitment to pedestrian traffic. Its Walk to School Wednesday program was launched in the spring of 2016 at Roosevelt Elementary School. Student participation has more than doubled since its inception. The first Wednesday of the 2017-18 school year saw almost a third of the student body arriving on foot! High participation rates have allowed the Sidewalk Stompers to advocate for better safety infrastructure with traffic engineering officials. The Roosevelt school zone and primary walking routes now have new and updated crosswalks and safety signage. Sidewalk Stompers is building on these accomplishments by enacting outreach programs to other schools and neighborhoods to aid even more students and more communities.

The judges loved the grassroots activism, saying “Jane Jacobs would be proud.” Children are learning the benefits of walking or biking to school safely by being part of a group; making physical activity a habit that better prepares them for learning; connecting with parents, friends, and neighbors; and enjoying the environmental benefits of reduced traffic to improve air quality around their school.

Awards of Excellence

Categories |
Investment & Environmental
Jack R. Lamb
Elementary School

– Hillsborough County Public Schools
– Holmes Hepner & Associates Architects
– Batson-Cook Company

This two-story elementary school was designed to serve 940 pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students in the Progress Village neighborhood of Hillsborough County. The project is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification and incorporates flexibility of use by efficiently arranging standardized pairs of classrooms along a double-loaded corridor. Each instructional space receives natural daylight, while the central corridors provide a secure environment for collaborative learning. Classroom pairs and core program spaces are assigned various colors of the spectrum. These colors act as a means of way-finding and define learning spaces. Building elements provide opportunities for student engagement and learning. Lighting constellations mark key points of circulation and mimic stars in the night sky.

Our judges were ready to enroll in this school for everything from the cutting-edge mechanical and lighting systems to the historic context in design and architecture to the eco-learning terraces. They loved this investment in a fabulous public facility that has created a fun and healthy learning environment for our young students.

Category | Investment
Palm Avenue Complete Street

– City of Tampa Transportation & Stormwater Services
– City of Tampa Parks & Recreation
– Sam Schwartz Engineering

Palm Avenue connects the historic neighborhoods of Ybor City and Tampa Heights. The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization and the City of Tampa completed the Walk-Bike Phase One study in 2011 that recommended Palm Avenue be converted to a two-lane divided roadway with bike lanes from North Boulevard to Nebraska Avenue. It was also identified as a high priority corridor for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in the Tampa Heights Plan.
A Complete Street with a contextually sensitive design approach was used to determine the appropriate improvements for the entire length of Palm Avenue to calm traffic and enhance the bicycle and pedestrian experience.

The judges appreciated using this conversion from a four-lane undivided, high volume street to a two-lane divided complete street as an opportunity to thoughtfully rebuild this community, while improving safety for all users. They applauded this complete street not only for its safety and connectivity, but also for its potential economic development impact.

Category | Environmental
Scott Street Low Impact Development Green Street

– Tampa Housing Authority
– City of Tampa Parks & Recreation
– Ekistics Design Studio

An urban neighborhood roadway connecting downtown Tampa and Ybor City, Scott Street’s original design prioritized vehicular movement over pedestrian and bicycle safety. This improvement project was envisioned by the City of Tampa as a demonstration for innovative green stormwater solutions, traffic calming, and aesthetic streetscape development. The retrofit design involved the creation of vegetated stormwater infiltration basins, while providing opportunities for street trees and traffic calming. Stormwater inlets are wrapped with vegetated basins equipped with trash and sediment traps. Water that previously discharged directly into Tampa Bay is now filtered through these multi-purpose landscape islands. In addition, traffic lanes were narrowed, and chicanes and medians were added. Historic granite curbs and street bricks were re-purposed to create context relevant stormwater inlets and crosswalks. These improvements were constructed without the need for additional right of way and preserved the majority of existing pavement, curb, and sidewalk.

The judges loved the design, originality, and high impact of this roadway project. The significant environmental and social benefits combined with minimal reconstruction make Scott Street an excellent model for a neighborhood scale retrofit of an urban street as a complete street.

Awards of Merit

Categories |
Entertainment & Participation
Hillsborough County
Veterans Memorial Park – Phase 3 War Memorials

– Genesis
– Veterans Memorial Park Museum Committee

The Hillsborough County Veterans Park and Museum was established to honor the residents of Hillsborough County who served, and especially those who lost their lives, in war. The World War Two, Afghanistan War, Seminole War, Spanish American War, and Civil War veterans’ memorials were completed this year, bringing a total of sixteen separate memorials located throughout this award-winning park. The memorials, surrounded by large oaks on the shore of the Tampa Bypass Canal, invite contemplation and reflection. This was truly a group effort, led by well-organized local veterans who worked tirelessly to achieve their vision for these memorials. Supporting this goal, Genesis and many other individuals and organizations supplied professional services, materials, and labor for free, or at reduced cost.

The judges found the war memorials to be inspirational. This park beckons family-members and the public from all generations to pay tribute to our greatest heroes. They loved how the beautiful park environment is conducive for family-gatherings and community events, offering a unique place for people to meander through the war memorial vignettes.

Categories |
Entertainment & Investment
Kotfila Memorial Dog Park

– Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)
– Wannemacher Jensen Architects (WJA)
– LEMA Construction
– City of Tampa

Developed under the Selmon Expressway, the dog park opened this summer in memory of Deputy John Robert Kotfila, Jr., who lost his life to a wrong-way driver on the Selmon Expressway in March 2017. Deputy Kotfila slammed into that car on purpose to save another driver’s life. A meaningful project, the Kotfila Memorial Dog Park is the most recent THEA community investment project in the downtown area. THEA continues to improve and develop the 1.7 mile Selmon Greenway created using Federal Highway Administration TIGER funds in 2014. The Greenway allows urban residents and visitors to safely walk from the Hillsborough River to 19th Street in Ybor City.

Our judges were moved by the background story, and appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into the dog park features. They applaud THEA’s ongoing initiative to create community spaces beneath the Selmon Expressway along the Greenway.

Category | Investment
Plant City Right Now

– City of Plant City
– Plant City and Tampa – Hillsborough County Economic Development Corporations
– Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Plant City developed a multi-pronged strategic plan and spearheaded its implementation with local partners to promote economic expansion to attract employers to provide opportunities to keep multi-generations rooted in Plant City. Four major elements include the Plant City Right Now marketing campaign; expedition of the permitting process; formation of the Plant City Economic Development Corporation; and investment in targeted infrastructure projects. As a direct result, more than two dozen new projects have been built or are under construction, representing a minimum of 600 new jobs and over three million square feet of new commercial and light industrial space are being constructed in Plant City.

The judges loved this visionary approach to economic development and the impressive progress Plant City Right Now has made in a short time. The focus on young adults and this smart marketing campaign will continue to have an important impact on the future of Plant City.

Categories |
Entertainment & Participaton
Turning Designs into Reality | The Power of Partnership

– University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC)
– Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
– U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

For more than a decade, the UACDC has championed positive change in the University Area Community, where high crime, poverty and a lack of basic resources has plagued the area for decades. In April 2015, the BOCC approved the build of the new band shell entertainment facility. By September 2015, residents were using it to celebrate diversity, entertainment, and culture in their own community. This success sparked the idea for a multi-purpose pavilion with a covered basketball court to be built. The combined area now provides community space for people to come together and enjoy music, play sports, host events, and make memories.

The judges believe in the “power of partnership” that “turned designs into reality” through an incredible investment in this traditionally under-served community. They loved how the community invested in the design through a survey to identify wants and needs. These facilities are having a big impact on the quality of life in the University Area community by providing a safe place for arts, culture, healthy activity, and friendships to grow.

Category | Entertainment
Ybor City Historic Holiday Spirit Program

– Ybor City Development Corporation
– City of Tampa
– Centro Ybor

This community-initiated holiday campaign transforms our historic district into a charming holiday village. The Ybor City’s Historic Holiday Spirit program has established signature holiday events that did not previously exist. A 25 foot holiday tree and a signature parade attract thousands of visitors and continues to grow. With a modest public investment, this program has had an economic development impact that improves commercial corridors, neighborhoods, and the quality of life for Ybor City’s residents and businesses. Each year, the number of community volunteers continues to grow. Local Hillsborough County School marching bands participate, and in-turn have received more than $150,000 in contributions from this program.

Our judges got right into the holiday spirit. They loved the magical experience of the Snow on 7th Holiday Parade, especially for local children and adults who have never seen snow! Plus, the contribution made to local school music programs was music to their ears.

Three awards were presented that were not judged by our jury.

Chairman’s Award

Burgert Brothers Photo Collection

– Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library
– Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County
– University of South Florida Library Special Collections

The Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection is comprised of nearly 16,000 images taken between the late 1800s and early 1960s. Established by brothers Al and Jean Burgert, their studio stood out as Tampa’s leading commercial photographic firm and focused primarily on the Tampa Bay area. Tampa’s journey from a small town into major city is captured through images of life’s daily activities, from the churches, homes, businesses, farms, and streets that made up our community to community festivals like Gasparilla and the Florida State Fair. From wars and natural disasters to economic booms and busts, the images document our legacy. This picture-perfect view of our diverse community across the decades leaves little doubt these photos will continue to be an historic treasure.

Planning Commission Chair Mitch Thrower said, “It is an honor to recognize the dedication, cooperation, and coordination of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Friends of the Library, and the University of South Florida Library Special Collections for their work to preserve and make these amazing photographs available to the public and for being the caretakers of such an important historic resource to our community.”

Executive Director’s Award

Cross Bay Ferry Pilot Project

– City of Tampa
– City of St. Petersburg
– Hillsborough County
– Pinellas County
– HMS Ferries

For years, many in our community dreamed of a better way to connect Downtown Tampa and Downtown St. Petersburg. Last November, that dream came true when HMS Ferries began operation of a seasonal service pilot project between our sister cities. Led by HMS Ferries project advisor, Ed Turanchik, the vision was made a reality when these four jurisdictions partnered on the pilot project by providing $350,000 to get the ferry up and running. In an unprecedented show of cooperation between bay area jurisdictions and a mission to introduce Tampa Bay area residents to water transit service and passenger ferry technology, the pilot project was deemed a success. With about 41,000 passengers over six months of operation, numbers increased steadily month after month.

Planning Commission Executive Director Melissa Zornitta said, “The Cross Bay Ferry Pilot Project laid the groundwork for permanent ferry service around Tampa Bay. Thank you to the Mayors, Councilmembers, Commissioners, HMS Ferries, and the entire visionary multi-jurisdictional team for your leadership.”

Hillsborough River Stewardship Award

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful

Selected by the Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board & Technical Advisory Council (TAC), Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) continues to clearly demonstrate leadership and dedication in the protection of the health and well-being of the Hillsborough River. Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful manages a number of programs that directly benefit the Hillsborough River. One of the newest and very successful programs is the Trash Free Waters Initiative that has motivated more than 16,000 community members to remove trash and debris from our most valuable natural resource – our waterways. Last year, volunteers removed over 50 tons of litter at over 80 sites throughout Hillsborough County. And, they had fun doing it! The Trash Free Waters Initiative empowers individuals to volunteer to make a difference in our community while improving our waterways.

Vice Chair of the Hillsborough River Board’s TAC Dr. Richard Brown said, “The River Board & Technical Advisory Council applaud the ongoing coordination efforts and numerous accomplishments of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and look forward to enjoying the results of their dedicated service to our community and region for generations to come.”

IN DARING FASHION: DALÍ AND SCHIAPARELLI
Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, regarded as fashion’s forefront designer of the 1920s and ’30s in Paris, was known for her bold aesthetic and exquisite workmanship. Her designs were heavily influenced by the surrealists, particularly Salvador Dalí, with whom she often collaborated. That relationship is the subject of “Dalí and Schiaparelli,” which opens Wednesday at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg. The exhibit features haute couture gowns, accessories and jewelry, paintings, photos and more, as well as new designs by Bertrand Guyon for Maison Schiaparelli. The museum has teamed up with Dress for Success Tampa Bay to accept donations of new or gently used handbags, scarves, belts and jewelry during the entirety of the exhibit, which ends Jan. 14. Attendees will receive $2 off admission on the day they make the donation. 1 Dalí Blvd. thedali.org.

In anticipation of the exhibition, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, there will be Fashion + Art Luncheon at the Renaissance Vinoy Sunset Ballroom (600 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg). It features a panel discussion by creators and curators of the exhibition. Tickets are $100. On Saturday, the Dalí Museum will host a black tie gala featuring a fashion show with contemporary Schiaparelli designs. The event runs from 6 to 11:30 p.m., and tickets are $1,500. Find tickets for both at thedali.org/schiaparelli-weekend-details.

SHINE ON: OUTSIDE IN
Maybe you’ve noticed the walls becoming more colorful this week in St. Petersburg, thanks to the Shine Mural Festival. Sixteen local, national and international artists have been making their marks throughout the city since Oct. 5. (Find a map at shineonstpete.com.) The festival culminates Saturday with the “Outside In” exhibit in the Warehouse Arts District. The exhibit features large-scale installation from artists including past Shine participant Ricky Watts and current Shine artists Yok and Sheryo, as well as large-scale paintings by a number of local and national artists. Other festivities include a Carmada of art cars, live screen printing of limited-edition Shine T-shirts, DJ music, food trucks and a cash bar. Free. 5-10 p.m. at Behar Peteranecz Architecture, 2430 Terminal Drive S.

POWERFUL IMAGERY: AFTERMATH
We’re all aware of the conflicts that have erupted in the Middle East over the last 15 years, which is the stage on which the Ringling Museum of Art’s “Aftermath: The Fallout of War — America and the Middle East” is set. Sure, we’re inundated with images on TV and the internet, but viewing them through an artist’s lens drives their urgency home even more. The exhibit, which opens Sunday, features photography and video art from artists active in the United States and Middle East, depicting the conditions and people caught in the aftermath of war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Israel and the United States. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. ringling.org.

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