Submitted by Panattoni Construction, Inc. Nestled at the base of a ski slope at Mount Rose Ski Park near Reno, this building’s unique location above the Washoe Valley offers breathtaking views of the area’s mountains and lake. The modern steel and glass building captures the dynamic and rugged natural beauty found at Tahoe’s highest base. It houses a 150-seat restaurant and bar underneath dramatic ceilings, steel beams and a striking glass fa�ade designed to withstand winds in excess of 100 mph. An outdoor deck wraps around the exterior of the bar and hugs the building’s curved form. At an elevation
Submitted by PK Electrical, Inc. Henderson’s tight-diamond interchange provides access for residential and retail areas, alleviating congestion in two adjacent areas. Almost 47,000 vehicles are expected to use the interchange daily. The project also improves local roadways, moving traffic more efficiently through one of the city’s most popular shopping and business destinations. Replacement and relining of crucial sewer and water reclamation pipelines improved infrastructure while anticipating future needs. Design and construction of large concrete caps protected water pipelines with up to 30 ft of fill. The public was involved in aesthetic choices, selecting designs and colors, and the attractive soundwalls
Submitted by Desert Star Construction Built in 1934 as a school for girls and later transformed into a restaurant and lodge, El Chorro has a long history as an Arizona landmark and celebrity haunt dating back to Clark Gable and Milton Berle. Unfortunately, a year ago, this 11-acre property was suffering from significant wear and faced an uncertain future. New ownership set out to protect its character and history while making it more sustainable – and more relevant. Photo:Mark Boisclair The 150-seat restaurant now has a stunning indoor/outdoor bar, expanded patio, outdoor fireplace nooks and a modernized event facility. A
The Cibolo Green Elementary School is one of the first “green” schools in the North East Independent School District and the greater San Antonio area. Photo: Satterfield & Pontikes Related Links: Best of 2010 Awards The energy-efficient school was built to meet LEED-silver standards, which include improved air-quality systems, the use of recycled and nontoxic building materials and energy-saving systems. The upbeat environment boasts nine different wall colors, flooring with multicolored patterns, and natural light. The general contractor, Satterfield & Pontikes, built many unusual features, including learning centers with windows into mechanical rooms. In-wall windows allow students to see elements
Submitted by Gerald A. Martin, Ltd Part of Albuquerque’s downtown redevelopment, these $1.7-million townhomes help increase demand for future commercial and retail sites by helping to create a more vibrant and livable community. Striking colors and staggered building heights create individual identities for each section of the LEED gold facility, avoiding the traditional uniformity of townhome construction. Residents have convenient access to public transportation, culture and nightlife. Private rooftop gardens reduce the heat island effect and provide a lush outdoor setting for residents and visitors. A sense of privacy is created by the stand-alone construction of the townhomes, which include
Submitted by Devcon Construction, Inc. Breathing new life into an abandoned area of downtown while providing a new home for the minor league Reno Aces, this project is centered around a baseball stadium with seating for 9,100 fans, with 22 luxury boxes stretching from first to third base, a sublevel baseball clubhouse and training facility. The downtown entertainment district accompanies the stadium with indoor restaurants and bars plus an outdoor space sheltered by a 38-ft-tall canopy featuring bars, a stage and roof-top deck overlooking the action on the ball field. Photo Owens Imaging Built in two stages, the project required
Submitted by Reid & Associates, LLC This three-story structure contributes to Rio Rancho’s future downtown with construction of access roads and infrastructure. The 218,000-sq-ft office will have at least 1,300 employees for a period of at least 15 years, directly benefiting area residents. An E-shaped building plan maximizes natural light, while large window openings and ten-foot ceilings contribute to the airy atmosphere. Between each wing is an outdoor courtyard, encouraging employees to gather and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Collaboration is strengthened with open offices and circulation, crucial to productivity. A fitness facility with changing areas and showers
Submitted by Studio Southwest Architects, Inc. / Goodman Realty Group This historic renovation updates a 1930’s hotel, long a gathering place and source of pride for Albuquerque, into a modern, eco-chic boutique hotel. The design adds a Morroccan theme to the historic Spanish/Territorial elements, from arched door openings to Moroccan influenced fixtures and fabrics. Photo Ramona D�Viola The hotel includes 107 guest rooms with custom vanities, wood trim and original panel doors. Public spaces feature dramatic original wood wainscoting and period corbels, trim and balustrades that were stripped and refinished. Visitors can enjoy restored murals in the lobby as well
Submitted by Hunter Contracting Co. This project constructed a safer roadway over this notoriously flood-prone Scottsdale wash crossing, with landscaped medians, bike lanes and a ten-barrel arched bridge crossing. The two-lane roadway was widened to four lanes. New sidewalks, ramps and pathways connect the Indian Bend path system to McCormick Railroad Park. Photo: URS/Hunter Contracting Co. The project incorporated six flow berms and one delta planter within the basin south of the bridge. Construction included storm drains, landscaping and relocation of over .5 mi of new water lines. Lighting fixtures atop 30-ft-tall, black powder-coated poles are staggered on each side
Southwest Contractor’s annual awards competition, now in its 13th year, honors the best in design and construction over the past year. Diverse categories, from engineering design to worship, acknowledge the excellent work and the variety of disciplines in the industry today. Photo: Kirk Gittings Photography The University of New Mexico, Cancer Center in Albuquerque won a Best of 2010 award in the health care category. Related Links: Arizona Winners Nevada Winners New Mexico Winners While it’s clear that the economy has taken a toll on the industry and the number of projects completed, judges still had to narrow down nearly