Christner was recently honored at this year’s AIA Central States Design Awards Program in Springfield, MO. These awards recognize outstanding work in the Central States region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, celebrating the built environment in which we live, work, and play.
The Center for Creative Arts (COCA) Renovation and Expansion received a Merit Award for Architecture. This multi-phase project roughly doubled COCA’s footprint through an expansion that honors the historic modernist building. This allows COCA to serve more students from the region and offer additional programs, expanding its impact on St. Louis’ cultural and civic communities.
Jury Comments: “This project is impressive for how the forms and materials resonate between the two halves, respecting the original Mendelsohn building and deftly balancing the scale of the addition with the existing building. The dialogue between the renovated original and the addition are reflected in the site strategy, the massing, and in the section where the two wings meet in the new central entry and commons.”
The St. Louis Symphony Powell Hall Renovation and Expansion received a Merit Award for Unbuilt Work. As the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO’s permanent home in 1968, this project will transform the building into a modern venue that enhances the audience and artist experience. Christner is serving as Architect of Record on the project with Snøhetta as Design Architect.
Jury Comments: “This gestural addition, attached to the side of the building, skillfully reorients the entry and transforms the historic building’s relationship to the street. It provides exterior public space, a clear view into the new entry lobby and circulations, and breathing room inside for spaces to linger and expanded program. The materials and massing of the addition are in dialogue with the historic building, connecting to it while allowing the original to maintain its urban identity. We look forward to seeing this new addition and renovation.”
Each of these projects was a collaborative effort with consultants, contractors, and owners. Thank you and congratulations to our talented team members and collaborators!
