The Planning Commission is proud to announce the winners of our 33rd Annual Planning & Design Awards presented by Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas. The event was held on October 29 at T Pepin's Hospitality Centre. As the American Planning Association celebrated Community Planning Month and Great Places in America in October, we are proud to honor the very best in planning and design in our own region.

 

Awards of Merit, Excellence, and Outstanding Contribution to our Community as selected by a panel of expert judges from outside of Hillsborough County were presented by ABC Action News Anchor, Brendan McLaughlin. Photographs of the event and award winners can be viewed on our facebook. 

Following the Tampa Bay Times Reception, the evening began with introductions and Awards Program Chair, Planning Commissioner Stephanie Agliano announcing that next year a Lighting Category would be added to the Planning & Design Awards. 'In light of this' the Planning Commission and our presenting sponsor honored two very special icons always 'lighting up' our community. Laura Crouch, Director of Local Government, Community Relations & Economic Development for Tampa Electric & Peoples Gas, presented two Signature of Light Awards. "The Ziggarut Lighting atop the SunTrust Financial Centre stands out among lighting installations, welcoming visitors and heralding special events going on. And, the University of Tampa for the lighting of its Historic Minarets is Tampa's most recognizable signature of light, beckoning the world to experience our rich heritage."

Category | Entertainment Tampa Riverwalk Kennedy Plaza - City of Tampa   - Moffatt & Nichol - Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.   Kennedy Plaza is a four-block over water structure that offers a safe and enjoyable pathway away from the busy streets of downtown and commercial buildup along the Hillsborough River. Linking two disjointed sections previously completed on either side of Kennedy Boulevard, Kennedy Plaza is the most incredible section of the Tampa Riverwalk aesthetically and experientially with lighting, shade, and gathering spaces.   An instant success with the community and our judges, who found Kennedy Plaza to be a stimulating adventure in form, function, and whimsical lighting, beckoning the community to embark on a riverfront journey. This vital and safe Riverwalk link is certain to contribute to the economic development and a unique sense of place in Downtown Tampa.	Category | Entertainment Plant City's Midtown Village Green - City of Plant City - Plant City's Community    Redevelopment Agency  The City had the foresight in 2007 to initiate the redevelopment of an underutilized area south of Downtown guided by their adopted, award-winning Midtown Redevelopment Vision Plan. Environmental clean-up was funded through a Brownfield Program application. This focal point is an attractive park designed to entice businesses and developers, while it serves as a  community outdoor living room for Plant City with cool amenities around a 3-tier marble fountain. The judges felt the Midtown Village Green showcases what good planning can do, not only transforming a brownfield into a usable and inviting place; but also as a catalyst to start anew with a foundation for economic growth and walkability in place.

Category | Investment J. Vince Thompson Elementary School - Hillsborough County Public Schools - Wilder Architecture - Batson-Cook Construction Our judges gave high marks for pre-planning for expected growth in the area, as well the many efficiencies in design and co-functionality with the future park and Lennard High School, also from an educational mentoring standpoint. The judges cheered for the LEED Silver Standards met and the "learning gardens" as one of many great lesson plans for future school design.	Category | Housing  REED at Encore - Tampa Housing Authority  - Banc of America Community     Development Corporation  - Siltek Group   - Baker Barrios Architects     Our judges love the legacy of the REED and its mixed-uses, lifestyle quality, and connectivity for active seniors in need of affordable housing in our community. The REED bears the name of Essie Mae Reed, a former tomato picker who became the first African-American woman to run for Tampa City Council, working tirelessly to improve the lives of people in public housing... and so much more.
Categories| Participation & Entertainment Hillsborough County Veterans Memorial Park - Genesis - Hillsborough County - Veterans Memorial Park    Museum Committee The judges salute the quality of the Veterans Memorial Park, which touches the emotions for those this park was dedicated, giving it a sense of place as a destination. They felt the consolidation of tributes served a diverse population, and clearly carried the message to honor those who serve, remember those we've lost, and educate the community in an impactful way.	Categories | Redevelopment & Historic   Ulele Restaurant &  Ulele Spring Brewery  - The Beck Group - The Gonzmart Family    of Restaurants  - The City of Tampa Our judges loved the coolness factor and complete turnaround of the  deteriorating Tampa Water Works pumping station. They found the Ulele Restaurant & Ulele Spring Brewery to be quite appetizing with its delicious public-private partnership. Now a culinary attraction, it anchors the north end of the Riverwalk, adding flavor to this emerging neighborhood.

The Hillsborough River Interlocal Planning Board and Technical Advisory Council awarded its first annual Hillsborough River Stewardship Award recognizing leadership and dedication in the protection of the health and well-being of the Hillsborough River. Tampa City Councilwoman and Hillsborough River Board Chair, Lisa Montelione presented a specially engraved oar to Sid Flannery...

An oar represents the perfect award for a pragmatic advocate for the overall health of the Hillsborough River watershed. Mr. Flannery began working for the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 1985. He served as a Chief Environmental Scientist until he retired in 2014 and contributed to the development of one of the state's most robust programs for implementing and re-evaluating Minimum Flows and Levels for nearly thirty years. The pioneer of the application of the "percent-of-flow" approach in West Central Florida that emphasizes the critical interactions where saltwater and freshwater mix as well as the fish and other organisms that depend on it, Sid Flannery was key to the environmental recovery of the Lower Hillsborough River. And for that, we all thank you, Sid Flannery!