Three design awards were presented at council on Feb. 26 to honour exceptional new architectural design work in Oak Bay in three different categories: home renovations, new home, and commercial/institutional/family. The Allan Cassidy Recognition of Renovation and Building Achievement Awards recognize notable new buildings and renovations that enhance the streetscape or neighbourhood.
The award winners are presented with a framed sketch drawing of their building created by local artists. This year the sketches were done by Lynn Gordon-Findlay and Carl Peterson.
The 2017 Allan Cassidy Awards go to:
Home Renovation - 2670 Cranmore Road - Designer, Bruce Wilkin Design
“This project is exemplary and it shows the care that can and should be taken. It refreshed the home without losing its original character. Landscaping also shows a high level of care in the detail,” said Mayor Nils Jensen.
Jensen presented the award to homeowners Murray and Shirley Hesje.
“The key thing for us was Penny Courtnall. We worked with her a lot. This was a project that was very near and dear to her heart. As far as I’m concerned the award really belongs to Penny Courtnall,” said Murray Hesje.
Honourable mentions in this category: 2128 Neil St. and 1354 St. David St.
New Home - 39 Maquinna Street - DH Moore Arcitect Inc.
“This is waterfront property in a rocky coastal setting. It used Scandinavian design elements and an innovative use of materials,” said Jensen.
The modern house now owned by Ian and Louise Scott was originally built for David and Karen Wilson. Dennis Moore Architect accepted the award on behalf of the owners.
“I’d like to thank Oak Bay for recognizing the home. The challenge for me was to fit that modern home into that wonderful community down in Harling Point. I think it succeeded. I think it is commendable to the old part of the neighbourhood to recognize a more modern home so thank you very much,” said Dennis Moore.
Honourable mentions in this category: 3260 Exeter Rd., 2970 Beach Drive.
Commercial/Institutional/Multifamily Buildings - 1510 Clive Drive - Cascadia Architects
“This is an excellent example of building with a high level of design that involves sympathetic landscaping and preservation of the surroundings. Cascadia won a homebuilders award for this building also,” said Jensen.
Joe Brunwald accepted the award on behalf of the owner.
“I’ve been managing the building since labour Day weekend. It is a pleasure to accept this award.The tenants really enjoy it and it is a beautiful place to live. Thank you.
Honourable mentions in this category: Oak Bay Beach Hotel
The awards are presented every three years after a nomination process which asks community members to nominate notable new buildings and renovations that they see in the community.
These nominations were open to residential, commercial or institutional (for example, schools, churches, meeting places) properties that have been developed or renovated. The nominations get reviewed by the Advisory Design Panel which is a core group of five design professionals.
Former Oak Bay councillor Allan Cassidy spurred the start of the program in 2004. The awards were later named in his honour after he passed away.
“Allan Cassidy’s background was in architecture and he was an immense help to council with his insights into design and architecture. He helped us to understand complex drawings and renderings. This award recognizes his contributions and honours his memory,” said Mayor Nils Jensen.
keri.coles@oakbaynews.com
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