ULI Impact Awards honor best in urban development

Each year, Urban Land Institute Oklahoma recognizes a handful of projects that exemplify best practices in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities, through each project’s contributions to the built environment and the public realm. The finalists represent projects and initiatives that were determined to best promote the creation of resilient communities, intelligent densification and urbanization, as well as outstanding quality of design and construction.

Congratulations to the projects that won their categories from among 20 finalists in six categories. Bridge Impact Center is the renovated space at NE 19th Street and MLK that provides resources for youth. The renovated 1927 Walcourt Building laid vacant for nearly 50 years. With the help of a historic tax credit that helped preserve the Gothic architecture, it is now fully leased space between the Capitol and downtown. The Urban Edge @JFK town homes were an Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority project that consists of seven new town homes. Noun Hotel and Cleveland County Wellness Center in Norman and The Icehouse Project in Edmond were among the 9th Annual Impact Awards winners announced at the celebration Feb. 10 at the Tower Theatre.

Finalists for the 9th Annual Impact Awards are:

• Outstanding Community Building Effort: Bridge Impact Center, City Care Night Shelter, PlaceKeepers Real Estate Development Program.

• Outstanding Public Initiative: Belle Isle Library Renovation & Expansion, Cleveland County Wellness Square, Western Gateway Elementary School.

• Boutique Development: City & State, Razzle Club, Walcourt Building.

• Small Scale Development: 1801 Wheeler Street, National Saddlery, Urban Edge @ JFK.

• Large Scale Development: Noun Hotel, Renaissance OKC Downtown Bricktown Hotel, Villa Teresa Residences.

• Small Scale Rehabilitation & Restoration: Full Sail Capital, One Junction, Second Sunshine, The Icehouse Project.

• Distinguished Merit Award: First National Center.

It takes a team of developers, urban planners, architects, funders and contractors to develop a vision into impactful economic development projects that add value to our community and our lives. We congratulate the nominees and winners for their vision, tenacity and contribution to our city and state and are proud to support many of these projects in their planning and development.