- By Billy Kepner
- Around Town
Print 
Awards of Excellence are given each year to architects and architectural graduates for buildings in the design stage. One of only two Canadian award programs devoted exclusively to architecture, the Awards of Excellence have recognized significant building projects in Canada or by Canadian architects on an annual basis since 1968.
“We are delighted that Canadian Architect magazine has chosen to recognize the Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center with this prestigious award,” states the E. N. Wilds Director of Cornell Plantations, Donald A. Rakow. “The building brilliantly blends indoor spaces with views to the gardens outdoors, resulting in a harmonious, immersive experience for the visitor.”
This year's winners have been selected by a jury consisting of Janna Levitt of Levitt Goodman Architects in Toronto, James Cheng of James KM Cheng Architects in Vancouver, and Andrew King of Cannon Design.
Awards are given for architectural design excellence. Jurors considered response to the program, site, geographical and social context, and evaluated physical organization, structure, materials and environmental features.
The Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center was dedicated on October 28, 2010 and will be open to visitors in late January 2011. Cornell Plantations is pleased to have a dedicated space in which to welcome, orient, and educate the public—and to provide the amenities that will enhance their experience. Designed to achieve Gold LEED certification, the Nevin Welcome Center is also a significant step forward in Plantations’ and Cornell’s commitment to sustainability.
The Nevin Welcome Center is named for Brian C. Nevin ’50, at the request of the primary benefactor, C. Sherwood “Woody” Southwick Jr. A grand opening celebration for the Ithaca community will be held May 22, 2011.
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