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Congratulations 2022 James B. Recchie Design Award Finalists!

The James B. Recchie Design Award honors excellence in urban design reflected in historic and new buildings and places, additions to existing buildings, parks, public spaces and public art. The award celebrates projects that add to the distinctive character and improved quality of life in Columbus and the designers responsible for them.

Budd Dairy

ADDRESS: 1086 N 4th St., Columbus, OH 43201
DESIGNER: Shremshock Architects
OWNER: Kevin Lykens / Lykens Companies LLC

Located in Italian Village, the adaptive reuse of the historic Budd Dairy building includes 14,000+ square feet of mixed-use interior space plus a covered rooftop deck and adjacent parking. The open-concept main floor serves as Budd Dairy Food Hall, featuring multiple food vendors, public seating, a U-shaped bar, and a live entertainment stage. The Budd Dairy redevelopment also includes office space, a bar, and a rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of the neighborhood.

Mirror Lake

ADDRESS: 1760 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
DESIGNERS: MKSK / Acock Associates Architects
OWNER: The Ohio State University

Few OSU campus locations are as iconic or rich in history and tradition as Mirror Lake.  The renovation of the lake began with a commitment to student safety, sustainability, operations, and aesthetics. The result is a major upgrade that created respite spaces; improved views; places for study and gathering; a grotto fountain; extensive natural landscaping and an improved pathway network that knits together the adjacent buildings and open spaces to create a unified campus destination.

Municipal Light Plant

ADDRESS: 577 & 578 West Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215
DESIGNERS: Sandvick Architects, Inc. / EDGE / Edgework Creative
OWNER: Connect Realty

After decades of vacancy, the derelict Columbus Division of Electricity Municipal Power Plant has been preserved and transformed into a new use. Even before construction could begin over 2,000 tons of material had to be removed from the site. High quality materials were used throughout and iconic features such as the hoppers, hopper doors, interior cranes, rail tracks and the tall smokestack have been preserved. This project demonstrates how even the most derelict industrial building can be brought back to life.

Open Air School

ADDRESS: 2571 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43202
DESIGNER: Schooley Caldwell
OWNER: Kelley Companies

The Open Air School, designed by noted Columbus architect Howard Dwight Smith, was sold by the Columbus City Schools after it was declared surplus. The early 20th century building and its mid-20th century addition have been turned into a popular mixed-use project that houses Emmett’s Café, Understory Bar and Lounge, special event space and a pottery studio. The project preserved the character of the building; established a strong connection to the Olentangy Trail; created vibrant outdoor terraces; and has become an important destination in the north campus neighborhood.

The Franklinton Slingshot

ADDRESS: Corner of Sullivant Ave and Lucas Street, (Franklinton) Columbus, OH 43215

DESIGNERS: Lundberg Industrial Arts / Schaefer Structural Engineers

OWNER: Casto Commercial Real Estate

This new public work of art was designed specifically for a site adjacent to the Greenway that connects Dodge Park and Genoa Park in Franklinton. The playful large-scale sculpture is completely intuitive and invites public interaction. The sculpture reflects what the artist calls a nod to “the historically mischievous nature of Franklinton.” Having twenty times the size of life slingshot aimed at the downtown Columbus skyline seems to fit just that sentiment.

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