The Maricopa County Master Watershed Stewards Program has earned the coveted President’s Award (Best of Show) in Valley Forward’s 32^nd annual Environmental Excellence Awards, held in partnership with SRP for 11 consecutive years.

This impactful initiative was submitted by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County and mentors future stewards of the environment through education and action focusing on the Valley’s most precious natural resource – water. It teaches how the health of watersheds is tied directly to quality of life, not just for humans but also for nature and wildlife.

More than 120 entries were received in Arizona’s oldest and most prestigious awards competition focusing exclusively on sustainability initiatives. Winners were announced Sept. 29, at Valley Forward’s awards gala attended by more than 600 community leaders at The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.

Valley Forward and SRP presented 17 first-place Crescordia winners and 29 Awards of Merit. The awards set standards for achieving a balance between the built and natural environment in the region’s physical, technical, social and aesthetic development.

The Master Watershed Stewards Program was recognized for training volunteers to protect, restore, monitor and conserve local water and watersheds. The 10-week course combines classroom education and field training, introducing participants to local riparian ecosystems and facilitating an understanding of how to effectively manage natural resources.

In addition to the University of Arizona, project team members include: Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, Audubon Arizona, Central Arizona Project and EPCOR Water. The submittal also won a first-place Crescordia Award in the Environmental Stewardship (SRP Award) category. Crescordia is a Greek term meaning, “to grow in harmony,” and the President’s Award is selected from among all Crescordia recipients.

“There was a recurrent theme of collaboration and regional cooperation among this year’s project winners,” said Diane Brossart, president and CEO of Valley Forward. “Sustainability is clearly at the forefront in our community, and it’s inspiring to preview such innovative programs directed at preserving natural resources – air, water, open space and our unique desert environment.”

South Mountain Community Library in Phoenix was the only project to receive multiple Crescordia awards this year. The building itself was recognized in the Buildings and Structures – Institutional and Civic categories, and a collaborative multi-faceted public art piece on the community college campus in which the library is located, received first-place honors in the Art in Public Places category.

The innovative 51,600-square-foot facility not only integrates with the natural desert environment in which it is situated, but fully blends elements of the two entities it serves. The public and academic sides converge into a holistic, sustainable landmark building. A signature element, Passage, created by artists Mags Harries and Lajos Heder, combines talking chairs, plaza enhancements, poetry trellises and a new pedestrian crossing of the Western Canal.

The awards competition has become especially competitive among Valley municipalities and government agencies. This year, the city of Phoenix faired especially well, earning six Crescordia awards and four Awards of Merit. Other Valley cities to earn awards include Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and the town of Gila Bend, as well as the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of the Arizona Science Center, served as lead judge for the program. Other jurists included: Chris Brown, vice president, SmithGroupJJR; Bert Castro, president and CEO, Phoenix Zoo; Greg Esser, associate director desert initiative, Arizona State University Art Museum; Greg Flanagan, principal, G.K. Flanagan Associates, Inc.; Joe Herzog, director of architecture, Shepley Bulfinch; Park Howell, president, Park & Co; Kyle Hultquist, vice president of marketing and communications, StandardAero; and Steven Lichtenberger, principal, AECOM.

Valley Forward is a non-profit public interest organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities. The organization operates with the belief that businesses must take a leadership role in solving the complex and sometimes controversial problems that confront growing population centers.

 

In addition to the Maricopa County Watershed Stewards Program, South Mountain Community Library and Passage, Crescordia winners include:

 

WOLFF RESIDENCE (LEA – Architects, LLC)

The existing structural frame of this 1960s home in Paradise Valley was preserved along with the interior materials significant to the mid-twentieth century during the complete overhaul, floor plan modifications and new addition. Careful, informed decisions were made to protect the original design intent, while enhancing the home’s connection to the natural environment.

 

WINDSOR AND CHURN (Shepley Bulfinch)

Creating a community hub and sense of identity for two prominent historic neighborhoods in north central Phoenix, this adaptive reuse project transformed a 1940s structure into a lively restaurant and adjoining artisan ice cream shop. The intent was to keep as much of the original brick structure and stacked sandstone veneered walls as possible and work with the existing footprint of a building that had seen many uses throughout its history.

 

DPR Construction Phoenix Regional Office (SmithGroupJJR)

DPR Construction purchased an underutilized 1970s building and redeveloped it into a LEED Platinum certified office space for its Phoenix team using cost saving sustainable strategies.
TEMPE LAKE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE (City of Tempe, T.Y. Lin and Otak)

Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge provides a beautiful crossing at the western-most end of the lake and is part of the city’s overall efforts to reduce vehicular traffic, improve air quality, connect people to culture, conserve water and create shade.

 

COWLEY COMPANIES OFFICE (Office of Desert Architecture)
Renovating a 1930s produce warehouse in downtown Phoenix, Cowley Companies not only restored the character of an historic building, but created a unique and energy-efficient workspace for its employees.

Central Station (City of Phoenix Public Transit Department)

This refurbishment gave a facelift to the 14-year-old transit facility located near Civic Space Park and Arizona State University’s downtown campus in Phoenix. Updates included improved passenger amenities and a plethora of environmentally friendly features.

 

CENTRAL MAIN PLAN (City of Mesa Development and Sustainability Department)

Mesa developed a Central Main Plan for its Main Street corridor by following three principles of sustainability. The plan aims to create a prosperous, people-friendly setting while reducing vehicle traffic, celebrating cultural diversity and fostering a distinct, environmentally conscious community.

 

TRES RIOS ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECT (Kiewit Western Co)

Phase Three of the Tres Rios program updated and reconfigured drainage systems and removed salt cedar in a 2.5-mile long, 650-acre stretch of open water and wetland marshes at the confluence of the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers. The project has created 44 acres of new open water reaches along with 10 acres of marsh habitat and 46 acres of riparian habitat.

 

GEORGE “DOC” CAVALLIERE PARK (SmithGroupJJR)

Nearly 25 years in the making, George “Doc” Cavalliere Park in Scottsdale established a new benchmark for sustainable practices, demonstrating how to appropriately design and construct an active community park in a sensitive desert context. Open spaces were preserved and site disturbance minimized while maintaining functional uses.

 

PALOMA SOLAR POWER PLANT (Arizona Public Service)

A collaboration between APS, First Solar and the town of Gila Bend, Paloma is a 17-megawatt solar power plant with 275,000 panels situated on a retired alfalfa farm. This zero water-use facility was built in record time and conserves more than 13.3 million gallons of water annually over traditional solar plants.

 

FIX A LEAK WEEK PROMOTION AND ONE FOR WATER 4-MILER & FESTIVAL (Arizona Municipal Water Users Association)

This public awareness campaign empowers residents to eliminate water waste in their homes and was sponsored by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association with support from more than 40 partner municipalities, businesses and organizations. The program included extensive educational outreach efforts and culminated in a four-mile, professionally timed race.

 

U-HAUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

(U-Haul International)

Through its comprehensive educational outreach program, U-Haul promotes environmental awareness and touts the importance of sustainability to its stakeholders, as well as millions who drive along roads and highways every day.

STARDUST NONPROFIT BUILDING SUPPLIES DECONSTRUCTION SERVICES (Stardust Nonprofit Building Supplies)
Stardust Nonprofit Building Supplies Deconstruction Services removes usable building materials from homes and businesses at no cost to the owner for donation of the items, saving more than 1,500 tons of supplies from local area landfills each year. 

2012 ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Residential

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Wolff Residence

Submitted by: LEA-Architects, LLC

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Legacy Build

Submitted by: Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona

 

Name of Entry: Whispering Ridge

Submitted by: Knoell & Quidort Architects

 

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Civic

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: South Mountain Community Library

Submitted by: richärd+bauer, llc.

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: FBI Phoenix Office

Submitted by: AECOM

 

Name of Entry: Ocotillo Library + Workforce Literacy Center

Submitted by: durkin + durkin architects llc

 

 

 

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Historic Preservation

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Windsor and Churn

Submitted by: Shepley Bulfinch, Phoenix

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Cutler*Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center

Submitted by: Motley Design Group, LLC

 

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Commercial & Mixed Use

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: DPR Construction Phoenix Regional Office

Submitted by: SmithGroupJJR / DPR Construction

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Okland Construction

Submitted by: Weddle Gilmore black rock studio

Name of Entry: Windsor and Churn at Central & Oregon

Submitted by: Venue/Upward Projects

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Institutional

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: South Mountain Community Library

Submitted by: richärd+bauer, llc.

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Integrated Education Building at GateWay Community College

Submitted by: SmithGroupJJR

 

Name of Entry: Nursing & Exercise Science Building at Mesa Community College

Submitted by: SmithGroupJJR

 

BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES: Industrial & Public Works

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Tempe Lake Pedestrian Bridge

Submitted by: City of Tempe, T.Y. Lin and Otak

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: The Greenest Factory on the Planet

Submitted by: DIRTT Environmental Solutions

 

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES: Sustainable Communities

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Devine Legacy on Central

Submitted by: Adolfson & Peterson Construction

 

 

 

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES: Adaptive Reuse

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Cowley Companies Office

Submitted by: Office of Desert Architecture

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: IN FLUX Initiative

Submitted by: Scottsdale Public Art & City of Tempe Public Art

 

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES: Multimodal Transportation & Connectivity

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Central Station

Submitted by: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Virtual Dial-A-Ride

Submitted by: Total Transit

 

Name of Entry: 27th Avenue/Baseline Road Park-and-Ride

Submitted by: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department

 

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES: Public Policy/Plans

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Central Main Plan

Submitted by: City of Mesa Development and Sustainability Department

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Management Area Master Plan

Submitted by: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE: Residential

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: The Smith Residence

Submitted by: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Inc.

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE: Public Sector

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Tres Rios Environmental Restoration Project

Submitted by: Kiewit Western Co.

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick

Submitted by: HKS, Inc.

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE: Trails

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Crosscut Canal Multiuse Path Project

Submitted by: City of Tempe

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE: Parks

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: George “Doc” Cavalliere Park

Submitted by: SmithGroupJJR

 

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Passage, South Mountain Library and Western Canal Public Art Project

Submitted by: Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: “Contours and Crossings” Crosscut Canal

Submitted by: City of Tempe

 

Name of Entry: IN FLUX Initiative

Submitted by: Scottsdale Public Art & City of Tempe Public Art

 

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES: Public Sector

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Flood Control District of Maricopa County Tall Pot Tree Program

Submitted by: Flood Control District of Maricopa County

 

Name of Entry: Phoenix Renewable Energy Program

Submitted by: City of Phoenix

 

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES: Private Sector

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Paloma Solar Power Plant

Submitted by: Arizona Public Service

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: PanAridus

Submitted by: Fifty Plus One

 

Name of Entry: Power Parasol at Lot 59

Submitted by: debartolo architects

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION: Public Sector

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Fix a Leak Week Promotion and One for Water 4-Miler & Festival

Submitted by: Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools

Submitted by: Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools & ASU Global Institute of Sustainability

 

Name of Entry: Phoenix Recycling Program

Submitted by: Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION: Private Sector

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: U-Haul Contributions to Environmental Education and Communication

Submitted by: U-Haul International

 

AWARD OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Green Living Magazine

Submitted by: Green Living Magazine

 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION: Educators, Students & Nonprofits

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Stardust Nonprofit Building Supplies Deconstruction Services

Submitted by: Stardust Nonprofit Building Supplies

 

AWARDS OF MERIT

Name of Entry: Plant Something Campaign

Submitted by: Arizona Nursery Association

 

Name of Entry: Urban Hummingbird Project

Submitted by: Audubon Arizona

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP – The SRP Award

CRESCORDIA

Name of Entry: Maricopa County Master Watershed Stewards Program

Submitted by: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County

 

PRESIDENT’S AWARD (Best of Show)

Name of Entry: Maricopa County Master Watershed Stewards Program

Submitted by: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County