2009 CNU New England Urbanism Awards

Saco Transportation Building Saco, MaineNominated by Lasell Architects

This project is a new mixed use transportation building serving thecommunities of Saco and Biddeford at the Amtrak DownEaster’s Saco, Maine,station stop. The jury was particularly impressed by the recently completedbuilding’s sustainable design, which is integrated environmentally andurbanistically with the surrounding area, including a former mill complexand the adjoining communities’ downtown areas.

Portwalk Portsmouth, New HampshireNominated by Elkus Manfredi Architects and DeStefano Architects

The Portwalk mixed use development will replace the antiquated ParadeMall in downtown Portsmouth, including four buildings of mixed uses overan underground parking garage. The first phase of the redevelopment effort –the construction of a new Hilton Garden Inn – has already been completed.Of particular importance in the jury’s selection of this project was itsrestoration of the historic city street grid, which had been disrupted by theconstruction of the defunct shopping mall.

Winooski Downtown Redevelopment Project Winooski, VermontNominated by Hallkeen

The Winooski Downtown Redevelopment Project has revitalized this smallcity’s downtown with new development that respects the cityʹs urban andindustrial character and history. Through this project, the city preserved orrestored nearly 100 acres of natural habitat, returned vacant properties toproductive use, created several neighborhood parks, and built the pedestrianfriendlyRiverWalk, leveraging $39 million in public funds into a private‐sideinvestment of over $169 million.

Hamilton Canal District Lowell, MassachusettsNominated by City of Lowell, Massachusetts

This project proposes to redevelop more than 15 acres of City, State, andFederally owned land in the heart of Lowell with a dense, mixed usedevelopment that would extend the city’s vibrant downtown along threemajor industrial era canals. The jury especially appreciated the close public-privatepartnership between the City and Trinity Hamilton Canal, the privatedeveloper, the broad public involvement process used to produce theproject’s vision, and the use of an as of right form based code to permit thedevelopment locally.

Southside Gateway Providence, Rhode IslandNominated by Rhode Island Housing

Completed in 2008, this mixed use development provides 10 ground flooraffordable commercial spaces and 35 affordable rental apartments. Situatedat a critical entry point on Providence’s south side, Southside Gateway hasaccess to RIPTA bus service and is a short walk from DownCity Providenceand the medical research area. The jury found this project’s combination ofinnovative design with affordable commercial as well as residential space tobe particularly impressive.

Hamden SmartCode Hamden, ConnecticutNominated by Robert Orr Associates

Based on a four day charrette in late October 2007 that showed how the towncould accommodate economic development while handling traffic better andenhancing existing neighborhoods and business districts, the HamdenSmartCode focuses on rezoning several of the town’s existing commercialareas to accommodate mixed uses and more intense development. The jury’sselection of this project was particularly influenced by the fact that theproposed zoning text amendments are currently being considered foradoption by the Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission and wouldtherefore represent the first fully adopted SmartCode in New England.