LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Business Council honored the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District at its 44th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards luncheon June 4 that drew hundreds of the region’s leading architects, designers and building professionals. More than 35 world-class projects from across the architectural spectrum were recognized at the Beverly Hilton for design excellence and community impact.
The Corps was one of 51 recipients of the LABC's Community Impact Award, celebrating revitalization along the LA River's 51 miles. Current work by the Corps includes the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Study, nearing completion, which aims to restore an 11-mile stretch from Elysian Valley to downtown LA to a more natural riparian habitat. Los Angeles District Planning Chief Josephine Axt accepted the award for the Corps.
"I was delighted to represent the whole team within the Corps to accept this in recognition of efforts to move forward with restoration along the LA River," said Axt. "To have all 51 folks from different agencies and organizations represented really showcased the true spirit of partnership that runs through the efforts to restore the river."
Nearly 500 top professionals were in attendance for the annual event, moderated by Sam Lubell of the Architect’s Newspaper. The awards are presented to entire project teams – including the building owner, designer, contractor and developer – for their contributions to exceptional design in L.A. County.
"The L.A. Architectural Awards celebrate truly outstanding projects that demonstrate an unyielding commitment to great design and meaningful sustainability," said Los Angeles Business Council President Mary Leslie. "Today’s winners enhance our quality of life and prove that Los Angeles remains a global hub for world-class architecture."
A distinguished jury of owners, contractors, architects and civic leaders selected this year’s winners from hundreds of submissions. The Grand Prize went to the new Emerson College Los Angeles facility in Hollywood. Other winners included the Ace Hotel in Downtown L.A., the Forum in Inglewood, and Tongva Park in Santa Monica, among others.
Separately, the Julius Shulman Emerging Talent Award honored a three-person team from Woodbury University for their proposed design of The REEF, a transit-oriented community hub in downtown Los Angeles with retail, residential, boutique hotel and gallery uses.
For 44 years, the LABC has hosted this awards luncheon to honor design teams for both their aesthetic vision and their contributions to the community as a whole. To learn more, please visit
http://www.labusinesscouncil.org.