Awards showcase diverse development throughout B. C.
Every two years, the real estate development community comes together to honour the best new contributions to B. C.’ s built environment at the Urban Development Institute’s Awards for Excellence. This year, on the 30th anniversary of the awards, there was much to celebrate.
Over 700 people attended the Nov. 26 black- tie gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Throughout the evening, 20 awards were presented that showcased the diversity of development that is taking place in our province. The range of categories included heritage revitalization, urban infill, master- planned communities, mixed- use projects, affordable housing, low- rise, and highrise. In addition, the peer nominated Maureen Enser Award was presented to a deserving under- 40 recipient for their leadership and vision, and four renowned industry leaders were inducted into the UDI Hall of Fame.
The winning development projects were chosen by a jury of distinguished real estate professionals, making the awards the highest form of peer recognition for the industry. Each project was judged on sustainable building and landscape features, innovative design, marketing success, and integration with transit and community context. The remarkably high standard of quality and innovation in each category made the jury deliberations a difficult task this year.
UDI partnered with The Vancouver Sun on the Readers’ Choice Award contest, which allowed readers to vote for their favourite highrise. More than 8,600 reader votes identified the Private Residences at the Hotel Georgia as the UDI/ Vancouver Sun Readers’ Choice. The elegant modern tower coupled with the iconic heritage hotel at its base is a great example of the new era of design which has won the favour of the public.
It was a wonderful evening celebrating the best of B. C. development. On behalf of the industry, I would like to congratulate all of the 2014 UDI award winners.